The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) with support from the MacArthur Foundation hosted a Validation Workshop and Focus Group Discussion, on enhancing procurement practices in Adamawa State. The workshop was aimed at fostering transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public procurement processes within the state.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media representatives, and vulnerable groups such as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and women. This diverse representation underscores the commitment of the Adamawa State Government to inclusivity and collaboration in the pursuit of improved procurement practices.
During the workshop, participants engaged in discussions, share insights and evaluate the findings of the Public Procurement Assessment Report.
According to Ife Olatunji-David, PPDC’s Senior Program Advisor, the report being presented is the result of rigorous research, comprehensive data analysis, and extensive stakeholder consultations. It provides a holistic assessment of compliance with the Public Procurement Law and the Freedom of Information Act, as well as an evaluation of gender equality and social inclusiveness in open contracting within the education and health sectors in Adamawa State”
The focus group discussions enabled stakeholders to identify innovative solutions, address challenges, and lay the groundwork for a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive procurement system.
Mr Zare Baba, a staff of the Bureau of Public Procurement Adamawa state, highlighted that Administrative bottlenecks impede the process of prompt access to data, however, this workshop has identified new ideas which will help improve access to procurement data.
The Validation Workshop specifically addressed key aspects such as compliance with the Public Procurement Law and the Freedom of Information Act, gender equality, and social inclusiveness in open contracting within the education and health sectors in Adamawa State. By focusing on these critical areas, the workshop aimed to enhance procurement efficiency, value for money, and equal opportunities for all segments of society. The workshop also served as a platform for stakeholders to collectively assess existing practices, develop strategies for improvement, and enhance the procurement system in Adamawa State. By working together, participants will contribute to the overall advancement of the education and health sectors, positively impacting the lives of citizens.
Mr Ishaka Donal Dedan, the Chairman of the Adamawa State NUJ, expressed that the two-day workshop provided him with valuable insights from a journalistic standpoint. He emphasized that the workshop has empowered him to effectively hold the government accountable by utilizing the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has been at the forefront of promoting enhanced procurement practices, open contracting, and the use of the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) within several states in Nigeria. PPDC will continue to provide technical and capacity-building support to stakeholders and work together to transform procurement processes and foster transparency, accountability, and inclusivity across various states in Nigeria.
Signed
Nnenna Eze
Communications Officer
