The Edo State Government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, is driving new reforms in procurement to ensure transparency, accountability, and better use of public funds.
Naija News reports that the reforms are anchored on the Edo State Public Procurement Law and are being implemented through the Edo State Public Procurement Agency, headed by Deborah Okunbo.
The agency has been repositioned to make sure all government spending is open and focused on the interests of citizens.
Part of the changes include mandatory disclosure of procurement records across all ministries, departments, and agencies.
Officials involved in bid evaluations must now sign a code of conduct and declare any conflict of interest.
Those with personal interests in contracts are required to step aside, a move aimed at stopping collusion, contract inflation, and other sharp practices.
The government has also embraced digitalisation by introducing e-procurement.
Contractor registration certificates are now automated, while a new online portal with real-time payment options will soon go live.
Plans are underway to fully integrate ministries and agencies into an electronic bidding and evaluation system that will promote fairness and equal access for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises.
To give SMEs more room in the system, contracts are being divided into smaller lots while still remaining competitive enough to attract both local and international contractors.
All contracts are awarded strictly to the lowest responsive and qualified bidder, with close checks on pricing, quality, and timelines.
Citizen feedback is also being used to monitor projects and confirm they meet expectations.
Capacity building is another focus, as procurement officers undergo training every two weeks.
The state also partners with the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy to train civil servants, political appointees, local government officials, and civil society groups on procurement practices.
Going forward, the government plans to adopt open contracting standards, deploy artificial intelligence for fraud detection, strengthen citizen oversight, and build sustainability measures that reflect global best practices.
Governor Okpebholo, in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, said his administration is committed to creating a procurement system where corruption cannot thrive and public resources deliver the best results for the Edo people.
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