… ‘Edo runs most accountable, transparent procurement system in Nigeria’

The World Bank, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Ogun State Government have lauded the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for running a transparent and accountable procurement system, implementing an e-procurement model that has redefined the acquisition process in the country.

The Managing Director, Edo State Public Procurement Agency, Henry Idogun, stated this when he received a delegation from the Ogun State Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) who are in Edo State on a four-day study exchange.

According to Idogun, “for delegates from other states and countries to continue understudying Edo is a proof of the transparency and commitment of the state governor to ensuring that good governance is delivered to the people.”

Idogun noted, “The World Bank and Nigerian Governors' Forum and other bodies have since last year maintained that we are the leading state in terms of the e-procurement implementation strategy and so most of the states and some countries have heard about that and have been coming to Edo to look at what we are doing and how we are doing it.

“Their coming to Edo, for us, is an indication that there is something we are doing well and they have identified it as well. We feel happy about it because it's good for our state and government.”

He added, “There are a lot of positives that they will take from Edo but we believe that we will also find something to learn from them to make our system much more robust. That is the whole essence of the study tour and exchange visit.”

The Director, Ogun BPP, Dr. Adesina Olanloye stated, “I appreciate the government of Edo State for keying into this transparency agenda. We are here on a study/exchange visit to Edo State Public Procurement Agency. The state governments of Ogun and Edo have keyed into the public procurement activities of the World Bank, which is the only way we can ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money in government business.”