by Christiana Gokyo, Jos

The Coalition of Plateau State Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Media, working under the fiscal transparency of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), is aimed to enhance transparency in Procurement Processes across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Plateau State.

In this regard, the joint CSOs and Media on the Plateau have called on the State
Government to see the enormous value for Transparent and Accountability on Public Procurement Processes in the State.

They stressed that, “Public Procurement plays a critical role in government operations and a robust procurement structure is essential for fostering transparency and accountability and ensuring improved service delivery and value for money.”

This was disclosed on Tuesday when members of the two bodies paid a courtesy call on the Plateau State Governor, led by the team leader, Prof. Patricia Lar, at old Government House, Rayfield Jos.

The Coalition of Plateau State Civil Society Organization and Media of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) group picture with the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Josephine Piyo, during the visit.

Prof. Patricia Lar said that, “Plateau State has existing procurement laws, frameworks, and practices that outline an excellent procurement system capable of delivering effective services, as well as several critical issues needing attention. 

“These laws include the absence of gender-responsive procurement, the absence of affirmative action for persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups, weak quality assurance systems, inadequate releases of funds to the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) for effective oversight, limited capacity for adopting modern technology, inadequate office facilities, an untrained and unskilled workforce, and poor synergy between MDAs and the Bureau; also limited access to government procurement data, and political interference in procurement processes,” she stated.

The Deputy Governor added that, “The consequences of corruption in public contracting are both financial and human, with the UN estimating a reduction of 10–25% in the value of public contracts due to corruption.”

The team leader, Prof. Patricia Lar, noted that, “As advocates, we urge the Plateau State Government to embrace open contracting policies that prioritize disclosure, citizen participation, and oversight throughout the procurement process.”

She explained that, “By implementing these, the government will be able to save money, provide high-quality services to citizens, combat corruption, and promote the inclusion of small businesses, particularly those led by women and underrepresented groups.

“To address the above issues and improve transparency and accountability in procurement, we propose the following policy and strategic recommendations, drawing from best practices and successful initiatives in other jurisdictions,” she stated.

She urged Government to Review the Public Procurement Law (2018): Conduct a comprehensive review and strengthen in the Plateau State Public Procurement Law of 2018 by incorporating provisions that promote open contracting, e-procurement, gender-equality, social inclusion, and collaboration with anti-graft agencies.

The team leader further explained that, “This comprehensive approach will ensure transparency, prevent corruption, foster equal opportunities for women and people with disabilities, and enhance oversight mechanisms in government procurement processes.

“It would further strengthen the Plateau State Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) and enhance the operational, administrative, and supervisory roles of the Plateau State Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) by allocating adequate resources, establishing mechanisms for continuous professional development and training, and enhance monitoring and evaluation functions. 

“This will transform the PLBPP into a robust and independent institution capable of ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and maintaining high-quality standards,” she said.

Furthermore, she said the measure will encompass “Embracing technology and open contracting practices in public procurement by expanding and optimizing the Open Contracting Portal to include all State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring transparency and citizen engagement at every stage of the procurement lifecycle.

“Additionally, implement e-procurement processes to streamline procedures, enhance efficiency, and reduce the potential for corruption. This combination of technological advancements and open contracting will promote accountability, improve procurement outcomes, and foster public trust in the procurement system,” she noted.

Prof. Lar She further stated that, this will “Strengthen Data Transparency and Citizen Engagement, would help ensure timely publication of comprehensive procurement data, seamless integration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Beneficial Ownership Register.”

Added to the aforementioned, she said this will include “Population of the

Open Contracting Portal with detailed procurement information, facilitating third-party oversight and fostering citizen engagement – thereby promoting accountability, deterring corruption, and ensuring effective resource allocation.”

Prof. Lar said “By implementing open contracting principles, enhancing procurement processes, and prioritizing transparency and accountability in the Plateau State, government can improve service quality.

“It will also ensure value for money, gain access to international grants and investments, contribute to the state’s development, attract investments, position itself as a ‘beacon of transparent governance,’ and pave the way for sustainable development and prosperity.”

She further implored the Plateau Government to consider their recommendations and take resolute action to reform the procurement system, which would benefit the state, its citizens, and its reputation.

Responding on behalf of the Governor Caleb Mutwang, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Josephine Piyo, assured that, government will not relent and will comply with their recommendations. 

Barr. Mutwang assured that, they will revisit the Law that was just mentioned, and they would ensure that Plateau people benefit from government and have confidence in the State Government.

He stressed that, they will also make sure that, government will enhance their records keeping and improving by the technology, saying, “Because we are in a digital era,” and to make sure that their information records are also digitalized.

According to her, “This would ensure that when the government is talking, people will know that this is what the government is talking about,” and prayed that, by the grace of God, they will see a wonderful Plateau that can be attested to Plateau and the Nation, and even outside the nation.

By MbNewss

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