The Edo State Government has intensified reforms in its procurement processes to strengthen transparency, accountability, and value-for-money in public spending.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, in a statement on Thursday, said the reforms are anchored on the Edo State Public Procurement Law and implemented through the Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), led by Managing Director and CEO, Ms. Deborah Okunbo.
The reforms include mandatory disclosure of procurement records, strict oversight of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and compulsory signing of a Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Disclosure by key stakeholders before bid evaluations. Officials with vested interests are also required to recuse themselves to curb collusion, bid-rigging, and contract inflation.
To improve efficiency, the government has introduced e-procurement and automated contractor registration certificates, with plans to launch an online portal for real-time registration and payments. A digital bidding and evaluation system is also being developed to cover all MDAs.
Governor Okpebholo said contracts will now be awarded strictly to the lowest qualified bidder after market-rate checks and quality assessments, while projects will be tracked through contract milestones and citizen feedback.
The government is also packaging contracts into smaller lots to create more opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) while keeping the process competitive for national and international firms.
Capacity building is a key aspect of the reforms, with EDPPA staff undergoing regular training and partnering with the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) to deliver workshops for civil servants, political appointees, and civil society.
Looking ahead, Edo plans to adopt open contracting standards, deploy artificial intelligence for fraud detection, and strengthen citizen oversight in line with global best practices.
Governor Okpebholo pledged to make Edo a benchmark for procurement excellence in Nigeria.
