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‘Why we’re repositioning, professionalising procurement practice in Delta’

By Edu Abade
18 December 2020   |   4:07 am
In a bid to enthrone transparency in public procurement processes in Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has ensured that solid structure was put in place to standadise procurement practice in the state’s public service.

Ifeanyi Okowa

In a bid to enthrone transparency in public procurement processes in Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has ensured that solid structure was put in place to standadise procurement practice in the state’s public service.
 
Director-General, Delta State Public Procurement Commission (DSPPC), Joseph Duke Okeze, stated this during his investiture as fellow of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CISPMN).
 
He said since assuming office at the commission, he had worked with Governor Okowa and the State Executive Council (SEC) to ensure that procurement practice in the state conformed to international best legislative standards.

 
His words: “Certified members of the institute are the authentic practitioners of public procurement in Nigeria. It is in keeping with that belief that I consulted widely with CIPSMN Asaba Chapter since I assumed office as regulator of public procurement practice in Delta State.
 
“The Delta State Public Procurement Law 2016 did not provide for an independent council to control public procurement practice in the state. I made representations to the government for the law to be amended to conform to international best legislative standards.”
 
He explained that Governor Okowa received his submissions and expeditiously set up a Law Review Committee, with a view to reviewing and effecting the proposed amendments for onward presentation to the SEC and the State House of Assembly.

Okeze added that the outcome of that exercise was the Delta State Public Procurement Law 2020, which provided for an independent council on public procurement with a representative of CIPSMN and Edwin Abraka of CIPSMN as members.
 
“The next step I took to professionalise public procurement practice in the state was to propose establishment of the procurement cadre in the state’s public service to the state government.
 
“Again, with Governor Okowa’s endorsement and support, the proposal was approved and as the institutional framework is currently being structured to operationalise the cadre, I ensured that the CIPSMN Asaba Chapter is fully involved. In essence, I have carried the institute along in my activities at the commission and I cherish their collaboration,” he stated.
  
He, thereafter, dedicated the award to God for His guidance and protection, Governor Okowa for his support, the Procurement Council for its support and DSPPC staff for their steadfastness and loyalty.

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