NDDC Pushes Ahead with Digital Procurement Reforms to Boost Transparency

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to institutional reforms, with a renewed focus on digitalising its procurement processes in line with the Federal Government’s transformation agenda.

The Commission made this known during a stakeholders’ sensitisation and training workshop held in Warri, Delta State, where officials engaged procurement officers, contractors, consultants, vendors, and civil society groups on the transition to a fully digitised procurement system.

Director of Procurement at the NDDC, Chuks Osuji, who was represented by Deputy Director Mr Tumi Grant, said the initiative is aimed at deepening transparency, efficiency, and accountability across the Commission’s operations.

According to him, the reform is designed to align NDDC’s procurement framework with global best practices while improving service delivery and eliminating long-standing inefficiencies associated with manual processes.

He explained that the shift to digital procurement would allow stakeholders to participate in bidding processes remotely, removing bureaucratic bottlenecks and reducing opportunities for malpractice.

“This effort reflects our commitment to modern procurement practices that ensure value for money. Digitisation will simplify processes and curb issues such as nepotism, bureaucracy, and irregularities,” he said.

Also speaking, the NDDC Director in Delta State, Onoriode Omo-Udoyo, stressed that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are required to fully comply with the Federal Government’s directive on digital transformation.

He noted that procurement remains a critical interface between the Commission and service providers, adding that the workshop was organised to ensure stakeholders understand and seamlessly adapt to the new digital framework.

Omo-Udoyo said the new system is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, strengthen transparency, and minimise delays linked to traditional procurement methods.

Participants at the workshop were urged to take advantage of the training to better position themselves for the transition to a more accountable procurement regime.

In a presentation on policy reform and transparency, Rex Ugulu of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, highlighted the role of effective procurement systems in driving economic development and public sector accountability.

He emphasised that adopting digital procurement platforms would help reduce corruption, enhance transparency, and improve overall efficiency in public service delivery.

The workshop forms part of broader efforts by the NDDC to strengthen governance systems and ensure that its operations deliver greater value to stakeholders across the Niger Delta region.