By Okechukwu Onuegbu
A coalition, CSOs/Media Accountability and Anti-Corruption Initiative (CMAAI) has urged the Anambra State government and other stakeholders to be committed to transparency and accountability for improved value for money in public procurement processes.
CMAAI stated this in a Communiqué issued at end of a capacity-building workshop on public procurement organised under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, held in Awka with the support of International IDEA.
The State Coordinator of Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, Dr. Josephine Onah, had during the programme explained that the event was organised in recognition that a transparent, competitive, accountable and efficient public procurement system is fundamental to preventing corruption, promoting value for money, and strengthening public service delivery.
Participants at the programme which included journalists, civil society organisations and professional associations, pledged to continuously engage with government institutions constructively in the promotion of procurement reforms and improved compliance.
They also stressed the need for proper documentation and reporting procurement-related concerns through appropriate and lawful channels like the media for promotion of public awareness, citizen participation and responsible reporting on public procurement and public expenditure.
"We recognise that effective implementation of the Public Procurement Law, adherence to approved procurement thresholds, strengthened regulatory oversight, proactive disclosure of procurement information and meaningful CSO and media participation are critical to reducing corruption risks, improving value for money and strengthening public confidence in the management of public resources.
"We therefore urge the Government of Anambra State, MDAs, LGAs, procurement regulatory institutions, CSOs, the media, private sector stakeholders and citizens to work collectively towards building a transparent, accountable, competitive, efficient and citizen-centred public procurement system in Anambra State.
We call on all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to take full responsibility for conducting their procurement processes in strict compliance with the applicable public procurement law, regulations and guidelines.
MDAs should ensure the timely and proactive publication of procurement information, including procurement plans, invitations to tender, bidding opportunities, contract awards and other information required by law, through the Anambra State e-Procurement Portal and other appropriate platforms.
"We call on the Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities relating to regulation, monitoring, standard-setting, guidance and compliance in public procurement. The BPP should provide clear and consistent guidance to procuring entities, strengthen monitoring and compliance mechanisms, and take appropriate action, in accordance with the law, where violations or breaches of procurement regulations are established.