Coalition of Civil Society Organizations and Media under the umbrella of Coalition for Public Accountability in Plateau State (COPAP), has called on the state government to review and strengthen the state Public Procurement Law enacted in 2018.
The coalition which is working under the Fiscal Transparency of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), made the call during a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang through his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo at her office in Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The Chairperson of the coalition, Professor Patricia Lar noted that the call became imperative in order to incorporate provisions that will promote open contract, e-procurement, gender equality, social inclusion and collaboration with anti graft agencies in procurement processes.
“This comprehensive approach will ensure transparency, prevent corruption, foster equal opportunities for women and people with disabilities and enhance oversight mechanism in government procurement processes”, she said.
The coalition also called for the strengthening of the Plateau State Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), to enhance operational, administrative and supervisory roles of the Bureau by allocating adequate resources and training that can also enhance monitoring and evaluation.
According to the Chairperson, doing so will transform the Plateau State Bureau for Public Procurement into a robust and independent institution capable of ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and maintaining high quality standards.
She noted that implementing the Open Contracting and reforming procurement processes in the state, will enhance credibility and trust, attract foreign Investors and global recognition as well as access to international grants and improved service delivery and value for money.
“As advocates, we urge the Plateau State government to embrace Open Contracting policies that prioritize disclosure, citizens participation and oversight throughout the procurement process.
“By implementing this, the government will be able to save money, provide high quality services to citizens, combat corruption, and promote the inclusion of small businesses, particularly those led by women and underrepresented groups”, she stressed.
Responding, the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo who represented the Governor, appreciated the coalition for the bold step taken to advice the government on critical issues of governance inline with global best practices. She noted that “The time is now” administration is open to partnership, and transparent in her dealings to carry every citizen along.
“This is an important organ, because it deals with Public Procurement process which gives the society hope in the government. When there is public procurement, everybody is allowed to bid for a contract and is not just done shoddily, but everybody is aware and can bid while the best bidder gets it.
“I want to assure you that this government will not relent. We would comply, and I will also tell you that we would visit the law that you have mentioned and we will make sure that Plateau people benefit and have confident in this government”, She maintained.
Ngo Piyo also assured the coalition that the government will enhance record keeping and improve on technology where every information will be digitalize for public consumption.
The Coalition for Public Accountability in Plateau State is working in partnership with Accountability Lab Nigeria, under the Open Government Partnership.