By SCM Correspondent
WARRI, Delta – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Federal Government’s digital transformation policy, particularly regarding procurement reforms, as part of efforts to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
Speaking during a Stakeholders and Service Providers Sensitisation and Training Workshop held in Warri, Delta State, the Director of the Procurement Department at the NDDC, Dr. Chuks Osuji, stated that the initiative was designed to educate key stakeholders on recent reforms and the transition to a fully digitised procurement framework.
Target participants included government officials, procurement officers, consultants, contractors, private-sector vendors, and civil society organisations.
Osuji, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Procurement, Mr. Tumi Grant, noted that the commission is determined to adopt global best practices and enhance service delivery.
He underscored the importance of equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and tools to engage effectively with the new automated system.
”This effort is part of a broader commitment to modernised procurement practices, which reduces inefficiencies and ensures value for money,” Osuji said. “Digitisation will make the work easier; you can do your bidding from anywhere, without the bottleneck of the manual process. It will end nepotism, bureaucracy, and illegality in the process.”
In his remarks, the NDDC Director for the Delta State Office, Engr. Onoriode Omo-Udoyo, emphasised that the Federal Government’s directive on the digitisation of operations across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must be fully implemented.
He observed that procurement, serving as a key interface between the commission and contractors, now features its own specific digital template.
Omo-Udoyo explained that the workshop was organised to ensure a seamless integration into the new system while reducing the delays and irregularities often associated with manual processes. He urged participants to actively engage and take full advantage of the training as the commission transitions to a more efficient and accountable procurement regime.
Also speaking at the event, a resource person and Research Coordinator in Procurement Management at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Dr. Rex Ugulu, presented a paper on policy reform and transparency.
Ugulu outlined the critical role of public procurement in driving economic development and service delivery. He further emphasised that moving away from traditional procurement methods to automated systems is vital for enhancing transparency and curbing corruption.
The transition is expected to modernise the commission’s contractor relations and streamline project execution across the Niger Delta region.
