The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adedokun, has urged state governments to make effective use of funds received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to reduce pressure on the Federal Government and accelerate national development.

Adedokun made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme, at the Government House in Asaba.

According to him, efficient governance and prudent resource management at the subnational level are essential for sustainable national growth, noting that well-functioning states would enable the Federal Government to concentrate on its constitutional responsibilities.

He said that if states effectively utilise their monthly allocations, the Federal Government would be better positioned to focus on matters contained in the Exclusive Legislative List, including defence, national security, foreign affairs and national policy formulation.

“If the states function well, the federal government can then focus on responsibilities on the exclusive legislative list such as defence, national security, foreign affairs and national policy formulation,” Adedokun said.

He added that improved management of public resources by state governments would lessen the administrative burden on the Federal Government and promote more balanced development across the country.
The BPP boss also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed the bureau to strengthen collaboration with state and local governments in order to improve public procurement practices and enhance service delivery nationwide.

According to him, the President is committed to fostering stronger partnerships among federal agencies, state governments and anti-corruption institutions to ensure that public projects are executed efficiently and deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

“It is, therefore, the president’s desire that we work together with our partners, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to ensure that development is effectively delivered at the state level,” he said.

Adedokun further commended the Delta State Government for what he described as its openness to external evaluation and its commitment to transparency and accountability in public procurement processes.

He noted that the bureau would continue engaging state governments across the country to promote best procurement practices, strengthen accountability mechanisms and improve the implementation of capital projects.

Responding, Deputy Governor Onyeme reaffirmed the Delta State Government’s readiness to partner with the BPP and the ICPC to strengthen governance and ensure value for money in public expenditure.

“We are particularly very happy with you and I want to assure you that the Delta government is wholly willing to partner with both the BPP and the ICPC to ensure better governance,” Onyeme said.

“This government is a government that believes in value for money; it is a government that believes in the quality of jobs done.”

The deputy governor stated that the state government maintains rigorous oversight of public projects to guarantee quality execution, accountability and prudent use of public resources.

He expressed optimism that enhanced collaboration between the state government, the BPP and anti-corruption agencies would further strengthen transparency and improve service delivery to residents of the state.