CALABAR — A member of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D has said the commission’s ongoing transition to a digital procurement system is designed to enhance transparency while opening up opportunities for broader citizen participation NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
Duke stated this in Calabar on Monday during a training on policy reforms and digitalisation of the NDDC procurement process, where stakeholders were introduced to the new framework.
He said the initiative would not only improve accountability in contract awards but also empower citizens, particularly contractors and entrepreneurs, to engage the commission through a more structured and accessible system.
“The digital procurement platform provides an opportunity for Cross Riverians and other stakeholders to participate in a transparent process. It is a step towards eliminating practices that have undermined confidence in procurement,” he said.
The training, themed “Promoting Best Procurement Practices and Digital System for NDDC,” brought together participants from the business community, policymakers, and the media.
Duke urged contractors and intending participants to take advantage of the platform by familiarising themselves with the procedures and complying strictly with the guidelines to ensure fairness and competitiveness.
Guest lecturers at the event, including academics and legal practitioners, provided detailed insights into the policy framework, outlining step-by-step procurement procedures and the legal implications of non-compliance.
They noted that the digital system is expected to standardise processes, reduce human interference, and strengthen due process in contract administration.
Participants were also guided on best practices aimed at improving transparency and efficiency, with emphasis on documentation, compliance, and ethical conduct.
Observers say the shift to digital procurement could mark a significant step in reforming public sector contracting within the commission, particularly in addressing concerns over opacity and limited access that have characterised the process in the past.
