By Christian C. Asema
The Benue State Public Procurement Commission has officially launched a comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing the skills and capacity of local government desk officers across the state. The training, which took place at the headquarters of the commission in Makurdi, is a pivotal step towards improving public procurement processes and ensuring the judicious use of state resources.
Engr. Dr. Comfort Akwonya Adadu, Director-General of the Benue State Public Procurement Commission, in her welcome address, commended the vision and leadership of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iornem Alia for his unwavering commitment to transparent and accountable governance. She emphasized that the training program is designed to empower local government officers with the knowledge and tools necessary for efficient public procurement, thereby fostering the highest standards of governance.
Dr. Adadu noted the significant strides made under Governor Alia’s leadership, particularly the introduction of the E-Procurement Portal, which promises to modernize the state’s procurement system. She described the portal as a game-changing initiative that will promote transparency, reduce corruption risks, and improve the efficiency of public procurement processes.
In her address, Dr. Adadu reiterated the critical role that the people driving these processes—local government desk officers—play in ensuring the success of the new procurement systems. She encouraged the officers to approach the training with dedication and professionalism to uphold the principles of due process, integrity, and value for money in all procurement dealings.
Mary Atabo, a representative from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), also addressed the participants, stressing the paramount importance of combating corruption in public procurements. She highlighted the role of corruption in eroding public trust and good governance, urging stakeholders to remain vigilant in the fight against fraudulent activities.
Igyuse Yahuze, Chairman of the Benue State Fiscal Responsibility Commission, further emphasized the need for full accountability in government activities. He stated that all governmental actions must be regulated, transparent, and reported to the Benue State House of Assembly to ensure proper oversight and safeguard public resources. He also expressed his gratitude to the Public Procurement Commission for organizing the training, acknowledging the effort as a critical step towards ensuring fiscal responsibility across all local government areas in the state.
The training program is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of public servants and promote the values of transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public administration. Through such initiatives, the Benue State government aims to foster sustainable development, build public trust, and set a model for good governance in Nigeria.
The program is expected to have a lasting impact on the effectiveness of procurement processes at the local government level, paving the way for a more prosperous and accountable Benue State.
