Kaduna adopts gender-responsive public procurement policy

Kaduna State has become the first subnational to adopt the ‘Gender Responsive Public Procurement Policy’, which was formulated in collaboration with UN Women and other stakeholders.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa on Wednesday in Kaduna.

He said that the policy was adopted at the State Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Tuesday.

According to Musa, the policy aligns with the Governor’s economic extant empowerment programme aimed at bolstering the even socio-economic development of the state.

He said it is also aimed at ensuring inclusive economic growth by increasing the participation of women-owned and women-led businesses in public procurement.

Musa said, ’The Gender Responsive Public Procurement Policy seeks to bridge the gender gap by enabling equitable economic participation of women-owned and women-led cooperatives.

‘’The policy mandates the inclusion of women in procurement committees and at least a woman should be included at the Directorate level in all procurement committees.”

The chief press secretary further said that the policy also gave women different waivers, adding, it ‘’grants complete waiver of registration fees for businesses that are 100 per cent women-owned.

‘’The policy also provides for a 50 per cent reduction in tender fees for enterprises that are 100% women-owned.
“The meeting also directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Kaduna State to adopt the policy in their
procurement process.

“This will ensure equitable access and increased opportunities for women-owned businesses.”
Musa further said that the council had also approved the establishment of five Sector Strategic Teams for the purpose of enhancing coordination and synergy amongst Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the state government.

‘’The teams are expected to achieve a more effective governance and delivery of programs and projects in line with Sani’s Seven-point Agenda.

“They will be headed by senior government officials.

‘’ The teams include the Rural Transformation and Urban Development Sector Strategic Team, Human Capital Development and Social Investment Sector Strategic Team

“Others are Governance and Institutions Sector Strategic Team, Economic Development and Monitoring Sector Strategic Team as well as the Peace , Security and Public Safety Strategic Team,’’ he added.

According to the chief press secretary, each team will meet once a week and the chairmen are expected to brief the governor on the resolutions of the meetings thereafter.