–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – By Albert OGRAKA:

The Delta State Public Procurement Commission (DSPPC), has expressed it’s determination to sensitise key stakeholders on the guidelines for the implementation of the new procurement law in the state.

The Director-General of the Commission Mr. Joseph Duke Okeze,, stated this at a follow-up sensitization workshop for the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), contractors and the media in Asaba.

The director-general said that it was the obligation of the commission to protect, sensitise and create awareness about  extant procurement laws in the state to avoid pitfalls.

“We are engaging all stakeholders to ensure robust understanding of ongoing procurement reforms in the state.

“A capacity assessment exercise is ongoing across different government Ministries, Department and Agencies,” he said.

He said the programmes was to sensitise the stakeholders on the guidelines for the implementation of the new procurement law in the state.

According to Okeze, the Commission  has adeveloped the necessary tools to entrench procurement reforms in the state; as mandated by the Delta State Public Procurement Law, 2016.

“A capacity assessment exercise is ongoing across the MDAs, while the state and others across Nigeria are in the process of adopting a shared or common platform for the introduction and practice of e-procurement at the State and at the federal levels, with support of the World Bank.”

In a lecture  presented by Mr. James Owolabi, an overview of the Delta State public procurement law 2016, alongside new information in public procurement practice.was presented to the stakeholders, who engaged the Commission in an interactive session.