……Harps on new paradigm of seamless bureaucracies
The Minister of Works, Engr David Nweze Umahi, has in efforts to end delays in the implementation of the Renewed Hope agenda on the road sector development, had a partnership discussion with the management of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) on the need for a new paradigm of seamless bureaucracies in public procurement processes for efficient and timely project delivery.
The meeting took place, at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi-Abuja on 10th December 2024.
In a statement signed by Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media), to the Minister, it was revealed, that the Minister stated that for the works sector to achieve greater prospects in innovation, efficiency, and economy in the road infrastructure revolution agenda of the present administration and to best respond to the citizens’ yearning for road sector intervention, there must be a deliberate effort to remove all bureaucratic constraints to project evaluation by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
He noted the core mandates of the Bureau, which among others are to foster accountability, consistency in pricing, effectiveness in contract execution, and value for money, and urged them to see delay as one of the greatest inhibitors of the objectives of the establishment of the Bureau.
“We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to enable the Ministry fast track delivery of the road infrastructure projects inherited and those initiated by the Renewed Hope administration.
“When we came on board, we insisted on best practices, and we introduced innovations to ensure we give Nigerians enduring road infrastructure that is fit for purpose. We therefore need a collaborative resolve to end unnecessary delays in the procurement processes.”
He pointed out that different procurement methods, including restrictive, selective, and competitive bidding measures, are geared towards achieving value for money and effective service delivery to Nigerians.
On his part, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, commended the Minister for the purposeful initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Works under his watch, and assured him of enhanced synergies with the Ministry, so that the noble objectives of President on the works sector would be achieved.
The meeting was attended by directors of key departments of the Ministry and the Bureau, including Engr. Bede U. Obioha, Director Highways Bridge and Design, Engr. Musa Saidu, Acting Director Highways Road Design and Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation Federal Ministry of Works, as well as Nasir M. Bellow, Isaiah G. Yesufu, Janet McDickson, Directors of the Bureau of Public Procurement.
