Emmanuel Ukudolo I Tuesday, April 21.26
YENEGOA, Nigeria – In a strategic move to overhaul its internal processes and entrench accountability, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced an extensive sensitisation programme for stakeholders on the digitisation of its procurement system.
The initiative, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, is designed to educate government officials, procurement officers, consultants, contractors, and civil society organisations on the Commission’s transition from manual operations to a fully automated framework.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the NDDC Procurement Department, Dr. Chuks Osuji, noted that the reform is a critical component of a broader commitment to modernising the Commission’s practices. He highlighted that the shift would significantly reduce inefficiencies and ensure that the region receives maximum value for every naira spent.
“Digitisation will make the work easier; you can do your bidding from anywhere, as there will not be a bottleneck as in the manual process,” Osuji stated. He further emphasised that the transition is aimed at eliminating systemic challenges, adding, “It will end nepotism, bureaucracy, and illegality in the process.”
Dr. Osuji also commended the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for his leadership in driving the Commission’s digital transformation, noting that the move away from manual systems is a landmark achievement for the current administration.
Corroborating these views, the lead facilitator and Head of Procurement at the Federal University, Otuoke, Mrs. Comfort Taavaan-Ogolo, stated that the reform aligns the NDDC with global best practices. She maintained that the digitisation process is not merely a technological upgrade but a fundamental shift towards building institutional integrity and public trust.
“The reform is about providing a level playing field for all participants,” she explained. “It addresses longstanding challenges such as delays, lack of transparency, and limited access to information.”
During the technical sessions, participants were introduced to the core features of the new electronic procurement platform. These include modules for online bid submission, real-time tracking of procurement activities, and advanced data management systems intended to provide a seamless experience for vendors and consultants.
The Commission urged all stakeholders to take the training seriously, as the new digital framework will henceforth serve as the primary gateway for all procurement engagements with the NDDC.
