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Move Aimed at Boosting Transparency, Compliance and Service Delivery
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has announced that the commission will fully automate its procurement processes on or before April. This forms part of ongoing reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability and service delivery.
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He disclosed this on Tuesday in Port Harcourt through the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Procurement Automation to Drive Governance Reforms
According to the statement, Ogbuku spoke while speaking at the Mandatory Continuous Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme. It was organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in Port Harcourt.
“We will soon automate our procurement processes to ensure compliance, transparency and improved service delivery,” Ogbuku said.
He noted that the commission has already reformed its corporate governance structure and internal processes. All of these helping to lay a solid foundation for the successful deployment of automated procurement systems.
Shift from Transaction-Based to Transformational Processes
The NDDC Managing Director disclosed that the commission has commenced the implementation of a new Governance Advisory Service. This is designed to further promote transparency and accountability in service delivery.
According to him, the reforms have enabled the NDDC to transition from transaction-based operations to transformational processes. The result is in noticeable improvements in the commission’s public procurement system.
“In the NDDC, we take public procurement very seriously. Training and retraining are essential in every organisation,” he stated.
Capacity Building and BPP Certification
Ogbuku revealed that the NDDC has prioritised capacity building through sustained collaboration with the BPP.
He said the commission partnered with the BPP in 2024 to train its procurement staff. There are currently 35 BPP-certified professionals within its procurement unit.
Project Delivery and Niger Delta Development
Highlighting the commission’s development efforts, Ogbuku said the Operation Light Up the Niger Delta programme has recorded significant success across the region.
He noted that projects are now undertaken based on proper needs assessment. This is ensuring that interventions deliver meaningful and sustainable impact to host communities.
“President Bola Tinubu loves the Niger Delta, and we are committed to bringing his programmes closer to the people,” he added.
BPP Commends Tinubu on Procurement Reforms
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, commended President Bola Tinubu for advancing procurement reforms nationwide.
Adedokun said the reforms have strengthened transparency and professionalism, positioning public procurement as a critical driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the capacity-building programme was designed to institutionalise trained, certified and accountable procurement professionals across the public service.
“The training aligns with the Procurement Act and is aimed at enhancing participants’ capacity for effective project delivery,” he said.
Procurement as a Tool for Good Governance
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Civil Service Commission, Mr Emeka Ezeh, described procurement as a vital instrument for good governance and anti-corruption in the public sector.
He urged participants to internalise the eight priority areas of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and consistently uphold due process and ethical standards.
