As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurates his cabinet for robust government activities, Nigerians have been assured of a better procurement experience that will define the renewed hope for all Nigerians.
The Senate Committee Chairman on Public Procurement, Senator Monday Okpebholo stated this yesterday in Abuja when he said that his committee was set to ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were aligned to a new paradigm shift, where ordinary Nigerians can bid and win contracts unlike what was obtainable.
In his words, “many wrongs will be corrected. We want to make sure that only qualified persons get the contract job they tendered for.”
The Senator who also represents Edo Central senatorial district spoke to journalists during the reception of the newly sworn-in Minister of Niger Delta, Alhaji Abubakar Momoh.
He said that the idea of MDAs calling for bids and lining people up to a rigorous exercise only for them to be disappointed with a bias selection is wicked and unacceptable.
According to the Senator, “due process must be followed. We want the country to experience a new era of procurement system that is acceptable to international practice. The 10th Assembly is determined to make sure we make the desired impact.”
“I can assure you that this Senate is sincere about the new deal we are bringing forward in accordance with the renewed hope of Mr President and the uncommon Senate President.”
On the preparedness to undertake the task ahead, Senator Okpebholo assured that as a student of Business Administration and an expert in Information Communication Technology (ICT), with understanding of the business enviroment in Nigeria, he was confident to do the job deploying modern technological skills, diligence and integrity.
He added that the committee members were highly experienced persons in governance and in business, which they will all bring to bear in the course of the work without fear or favour.
“I can assure you that my committee will investigate activities in the procurement system since 2019 and ensure we right the wrongs to regain the confidence of the public in the procurement system.”
“We want a system where you don’t need to know anybody before you can bid or win contract jobs in this country. That’s the mandate we have and we are set to carry it out to the letter,” he said.
