The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) with support from the MacArthur Foundation hosted a Validation Workshop and Focus Group Discussion on enhancing procurement practices in Adamawa State. The workshop was aimed at fostering transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public procurement processes within the state.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media representatives, and vulnerable groups such as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and women.
According to Ife Olatunji-David, PPDC’s Senior Program Advisor: “The report being presented is the result of rigorous research, comprehensive data analysis, and extensive stakeholder consultations. It provides a holistic assessment of compliance with the Public Procurement Law and the Freedom of Information Act, as well as an evaluation of gender equality and social inclusiveness in open contracting within the education and health sectors in Adamawa State.”
The focus group discussions enabled stakeholders to identify innovative solutions, address challenges, and lay the groundwork for a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive procurement system.
Mr Zare Baba, a staff of the Bureau of Public Procurement Adamawa state, highlighted that administrative bottlenecks impede the process of prompt access to data, however, this workshop has identified new ideas which will help improve access to procurement data.
Mr Ishaka Donal Dedan, the Chairman of the Adamawa State NUJ, expressed that the two-day workshop provided him with valuable insights from a journalistic standpoint. He emphasized that the workshop has empowered him to effectively hold the government accountable by utilizing the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
PPDC will continue to provide technical and capacity-building support to stakeholders and work together to transform procurement processes and foster transparency, accountability, and inclusivity across various states in Nigeria.
Signed
Nnenna Eze
Communications Officer