ahi Meets BPP Chief, Seeks End to Delay in Projects Execution
CHIGOZIE AMADI
As part of efforts to end delays in the implementation of road projects nationwide, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has opened discussions with the management of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
A statement in Abuja by the minister’s spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said the parties harped on the need for a new paradigm of seamless bureaucracies in public procurement processes for efficient and timely project delivery.
During the meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Works, the minister stated that for the works sector to achieve greater prospects in innovation, efficiency, and economy, there must be a deliberate effort to remove all bureaucratic constraints to project evaluation by the BPP.
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.
Umahi urged the BPP to see delay as one of the greatest inhibitors of the objectives of the establishment of the bureau.
He said: “We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to enable the ministry to 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.”
Besides, 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 of the BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, assured the minister of enhanced synergies with the ministry so that the objectives of the President Bola Tinubu administration in the works sector would be achieved.
He said: “The interesting thing about you is that you don’t fail in your duty, which I have observed. You start, you end with something that is unique about you, and you’re passionate about what you want to do.
“ We were glad when you extended the invitation for us to come here. We know you see BPP as a worthy partner towards ensuring that Mr. President’s objectives in respect of road infrastructure are achieved timely, transparently, and well-accounted.”
He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to hear the challenges encountered by both parties, for a proper understanding on how to work together to achieve the set goals.
“We place serious premium on closely working with you to ensure we deliver on the mandates in a way that value for money is achieved, in a way that sustainability of what we have on ground is improved upon and even the quality of the roads that we deliver,” he added.
