NDDC pledges to introduce online purchasing overhaul to boost openness

The Niger Delta Development Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to the Federal Government's digital transformation policy, specifically focusing on procurement reforms, in order to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability within the Commission.

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This commitment was expressed during a Stakeholders and Service Providers Sensitisation and Training Workshop held in Warri, Delta State, where the Director, Procurement Department, NDDC, Dr Chuks Osuji, discussed the initiative to educate stakeholders on recent reforms and the transition to a fully digitised procurement framework.

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A statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, contained the details of the workshop, which aimed to promote the adoption of global best practices and improve service delivery.

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Dr Osuji, represented by the Deputy Director, Procurement, Tumi Grant, stressed the importance of equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively engage with the digitised procurement system, as part of a broader commitment to modernised procurement practices.

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He noted that digitisation would simplify the procurement process, eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring value for money, and stated, "Digitisation will make the work easier; you can do your bidding from anywhere, without the bottleneck of the manual process.

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He further explained that digitisation would eradicate nepotism, bureaucracy, and illegality in the process, adding that it is part of a broader effort to adopt modernised procurement practices.

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NDDC Director, Delta State Office, Engr. Onoriode Omo-Udoyo, emphasized the need to fully implement the Federal Government's directive on the digitisation of operations of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs.

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He observed that procurement has its own specific digital template and explained that the workshop was organised to educate stakeholders on the Commission's digitised procurement process, ensuring a seamless integration into the new system.

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Engr. Omo-Udoyo highlighted that the digitisation of procurement would improve efficiency, enhance transparency and accountability, and reduce delays and irregularities associated with manual processes.

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He urged participants to actively engage with the workshop as the Commission transitions to a more efficient and accountable procurement regime, taking full advantage of the opportunity to learn about the new system.

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Dr Rex Ugulu, a Research Coordinator in Procurement Management at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, presented a paper on policy reform and transparency in procurement, outlining the concept and importance of public procurement in economic development, service delivery, and accountability.

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He emphasised the need for the transition from traditional procurement methods to digital systems, noting that procurement automation enhances transparency, reduces corruption, and improves efficiency, thereby supporting the Commission's efforts to adopt global best practices.