Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has announced that the commission aims to fully automate its procurement processes by April.
This information was revealed in a statement released on Tuesday by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, during an event in Port Harcourt.
Ogbuku made this statement while addressing participants at the Mandatory Continuous Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme organized by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
"We are set to automate our procurement processes soon, which will enhance compliance, increase transparency, and improve service delivery," Ogbuku emphasized.
He explained that the NDDC has overhauled its corporate governance framework and internal processes to reinforce accountability within the commission.
As part of its reform efforts, the NDDC has initiated a new Governance Advisory Service aimed at promoting transparency in service delivery.
Ogbuku noted that the commission has transitioned from transaction-based operations to a more transformative approach, resulting in significant improvements in its public procurement system.
“In the NDDC, we take public procurement very seriously. Continuous training and retraining are critical for every organization,” he added.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the NDDC partnered with the BPP in 2024 to enhance its staff training, resulting in 35 procurement unit members being certified by the BPP.
Outlining the commission’s accomplishments, Ogbuku mentioned that the Operation Light Up the Niger Delta initiative has seen remarkable success across the region.
"We base our projects on thorough needs assessments to ensure they have a meaningful impact on the communities," he stated.
Ogbuku also remarked on President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the Niger Delta, asserting that the commission is dedicated to bringing the President's programmes closer to the populace.
Adebowale Adedokun, the Director-General of the BPP, praised President Tinubu for his efforts to advance procurement reforms.
Adedokun stated that these reforms have enhanced transparency and professionalism, positioning procurement as a crucial element of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the ongoing capacity-building initiative aims to establish trained, certified, and accountable procurement professionals within the public sector.
“This training is aligned with the Procurement Act and is designed to enhance the participants’ capabilities for effective project implementation,” he explained.
He encouraged the attendees to actively engage in the program and consistently adhere to proper procedures and ethical standards.
Meanwhile, Emeka Ezeh, Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Civil Service Commission, described procurement as an essential mechanism for good governance and a powerful tool in combating corruption in the public sector.
Ezeh urged the trainees to internalize the eight priority areas of President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
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