By Sadiq Sambo

Just two weeks ago, I found myself engrossed in a moment of awe, eyes fixed on my screen as SpaceX launched the Super Heavy Starship – the largest and heaviest flying machine ever built. It was a spectacle, a breathtaking display of human ingenuity, as we propelled a colossal metal behemoth toward the vast expanse of the cosmos. The sight was nothing short of magical, a testament to our relentless pursuit of progress.

However, as I marveled at this innovation, I wondered: How is Africa faring in this global race toward technological advancement? The truth is, we are still playing catch-up. Despite Nigeria’s status as the giant of Africa, our journey in the technological realm has been a mix of achievements and challenges.
Nigeria has indeed made strides in technology, proudly launching Africa’s first communication satellite. While this is a commendable feat, it is crucial to acknowledge that we have a long way to go to establish ourselves as a leading technological powerhouse on the continent.
One area that urgently requires attention is our governance sector, particularly public contracting. The current system is plagued by a lack of transparency, accountability, and effective project monitoring. It’s akin to navigating through a maze of hidden processes, where awarding contracts, implementing projects, and tracking progress are shrouded in opacity and inefficiency.
But here’s the good news: there is hope on the horizon. The Public and Private Development Center (PPDC), is in leveraging technology to transform public governance monitoring in Nigeria. While we may not be launching rockets into space, our initiatives are revolutionary in our context.

At the heart of our efforts is the “Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) Portals,” implemented across six states and at the Federal level in Nigeria. These portals serve as a beacon of transparency, providing citizens with accessible and timely information on public contracts. Imagine a Nigeria where every citizen can track how their hard-earned tax Nairas are being utilized from the comfort of their home or anywhere in the world. With these portals, PPDC is empowering citizens, enabling them to scrutinize government projects and hold public institutions accountable.

Our technology solutions, coupled with field monitoring efforts and advocacy, have catalyzed tangible improvements in public projects across Nigeria. We have revived abandoned projects, resulting in the completion of essential infrastructure such as primary healthcare centers and schools. Our initiatives have even enabled a state to secure approximately $4 million in grants and have documented projects worth over ₦34 billion on our Budeshi OCDS Portal.

But our impact goes beyond numbers and statistics. PPDC’s initiatives have empowered journalists and government officials, irrespective of their technological proficiency, with the tools and knowledge required to ensure effective and transparent systems. By promoting citizen engagement and fostering a culture of accountability, we are bridging the gap between government and citizens, promoting mutual benefit, trust, and participation.
At PPDC, our mission transcends technological innovation; it is about fostering good governance, sustainable development, and transparency in Nigeria. We are committed to creating a just society where government and citizens collaborate to shape a brighter future for present and future generations.