The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has digitised its contract award process as part of efforts to curb fraud, eliminate fake documentation and improve transparency in project implementation across the Niger Delta region.
Managing Director of the commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed this during a capacity-building workshop on public procurement organised for the NDDC’s executive management and directors in Port Harcourt.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Ogbuku said the training was designed to deepen the understanding of procurement procedures among senior officials and ensure strict compliance with established regulations.
He explained that the commission had introduced electronic contract award letters to prevent the circulation of forged documents, noting that fake award letters had in the past created difficulties for both NDDC officials and contractors, including investigations by anti-corruption agencies.
Ogbuku said the adoption of an electronic procurement system forms part of broader reforms aimed at promoting accountability and reducing opportunities for abuse within the procurement process.
“The NDDC introduced the e-procurement system to combat corruption and enhance transparency. Digitising the process will minimise human errors and eliminate many of the delays associated with manual procedures,” he said.
The managing director stressed that, as a federal intervention agency, the commission must strictly adhere to government procurement policies and regulations in the execution of development projects.
He urged directors to ensure that procurement requests are tied to approved procurement plans and aligned with the commission’s development priorities.
According to him, procurement decisions should be guided by the needs assessment of the Niger Delta region and reflected in the commission’s annual budget and implementation framework.
Ogbuku also emphasised the need for prudence in the management of public resources, reminding officials that public service requires accountability and responsible use of funds.
Speaking at the event, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chief Boma Iyaye, underscored the importance of continuous training for public officials entrusted with managing government resources.
He said capacity development remains critical to improving efficiency, strengthening institutional governance and ensuring value for money in public spending.
Also speaking, the commission’s Director of Procurement, Dr Chuks Osuji, said the workshop was aimed at equipping procurement professionals, project managers, finance officers and other stakeholders with the skills required to effectively manage procurement processes.
Osuji reiterated the commission’s commitment to building a procurement system founded on integrity, transparency and professionalism.
Delivering a presentation at the workshop, former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Engr. Emeka Eze, described procurement as one of the most vulnerable areas of government activity and stressed the need for strict adherence to regulations.
He noted that public procurement frameworks are designed primarily to prevent corruption and promote accountability in the use of public funds.
Eze advised participants to uphold principles such as transparency, fairness, competition and integrity in all procurement activities, warning that failure to comply with the rules could expose officials to corruption-related sanctions.
He also praised the NDDC for embracing e-procurement, describing the initiative as a significant step towards modernising procurement processes and enhancing accountability in public service.
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