Victor EzejaExecutive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta has assured that broadband connectivity, being driven by the Federal Government, through NCC, will enhance electronic procurement (e-procurement) that will in turn ensure greater accountability and transparency in governance process in Nigeria.
Prof. Danbatta stated this while speaking on the topic: “Implementation of e-procurement in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges” at an event by the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON) which conferred on him with the “Excellent Service Delivery and Accountability Award.”
The award was in recognition of Danbatta’s outstanding performance and contribution to the canons of the public procurement profession in Nigeria by ensuring that the NCC complies strictly with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007.
He received the award at the 3rd Annual National Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by the APPON in Lagos recently.
Danbatta was adjudged to have led an NCC that is transparent and open and compliant with the provisions of public procurement as enshrined in applicable laws of the land.
He stressed that e-procurement was the way to go and that the Commission will continue to create the enabling environment required for e-procurement to thrive through NCC’s dedicated commitment to driving the attainment of ubiquitous broadband connectivity across Nigeria.
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Danbatta said Nigeria’s investment in broadband infrastructure is yielding substantial benefits for the country’s e-procurement sector, revolutionizing the way businesses engage in procurement processes, especially Government-to-Business (G2B) and other e-government activities.
“With the new administration in the country making broadband connectivity an outstanding pillar in its policy thrust, the Commission would continue to focus on improving broadband infrastructure to change the landscape of procurement governance, and help to unlock new possibilities for businesses and public institutions.
“With improved Internet connectivity, businesses across the country now have faster and more reliable access to e-procurement platforms, enabling them submit proposals, monitor tender opportunities in real time, and participate in online bidding process,” he said.
In his remark, APPON National President, Akparawa Kanico, congratulated the EVC for his remarkable leadership and ability to inspire everyone around him towards ensuring effective procurement process in the Commission.
He stated that the leadership quality and administrative prowess of Danbatta have reflected in the impressive growth that the telecoms sector has witnessed in being an enabler of growth in other sectors of the economy and the national economy as a whole.
The NCC EVC appreciated the organisers of the Awards for the recognition while describing it as ‘a great motivation to him and the Commission to be more transparent, open and process-driven in its procurement activities.’
At the event, two members of staff of the Commission were inducted as APPON Fellows. They are Adejoke Atte, NCC’s Head of Procurement Department and a Principal Manager in the department, Bernard Kwembeh.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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