The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has emphasised the urgent need to eliminate all bureaucratic hurdles that hinder the timely and efficient evaluation of projects by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
He underscored that streamlining these processes is essential for accelerating project implementation and ensuring that procurement activities are not delayed due to unnecessary administrative bottlenecks.
The minister made this statement when he received a courtesy visit from the BPP management team led by its Director General, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, at the ministry headquarters in Abuja.
A statement by the Special Adviser, Media to the Minister, Orji Uchenna, on Wednesday, said Umahi had a partnership discussion with the team on the need for a new paradigm of seamless bureaucracies in public procurement processes for efficient and timely project delivery.
He stated that the partnership is essential for unlocking greater opportunities in innovation, efficiency, and economic growth within the current administration’s road infrastructure revolution agenda, while also addressing the citizens’ demand for improvements in the road sector.
He highlighted the bureau’s core mandates, which include promoting accountability, ensuring consistency in pricing, enhancing contract execution effectiveness, and delivering value for money.
He also urged them to view delays as one of the greatest obstacles to achieving the Bureau’s objectives.
The statement read, “We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to enable the ministry to fast-track delivery of the road infrastructure projects inherited and those initiated by the Renewed Hope administration.
“When we came on board, we insisted on best practices, and we introduced innovations to ensure we give Nigerians enduring road infrastructure that is fit for purpose. We therefore need a collaborative resolve to end unnecessary delays in the procurement processes.”
He pointed out that different procurement methods, including restrictive, selective, and competitive bidding measures, are geared towards achieving value for money and effective service delivery to Nigerians.
On his part, the BPP DG, Adedokun, lauded the initiatives introduced by the Federal Ministry of Works under Umahi’s leadership. He assured the minister of BPP’s commitment to supporting the ministry’s objectives in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“The interesting thing about you is your dedication and passion for delivering results,” Adedokun said. “We are here to address challenges on both sides and ensure smooth collaboration to achieve our shared goals. Nigerians closely monitor the Ministry of Works, making it a critical agency in fulfilling Mr. President’s mandate on infrastructure.”
The DG emphasised the importance of delivering sustainable, high-quality roads that can stand the test of time. “We must return to the days when roads constructed 25 years ago remained intact,” he said, pledging BPP’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry to achieve transparency and value for money in all projects.
The meeting was attended by directors from both the ministry and the bureau, including Bede Obioha, Director of Highways Bridge and Design; Musa Saidu, acting Director of Highways Road Design; Clement Ogbuagu, Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation; Nasir Bellow; Isaiah Yesufu; and Janet McDickson, Directors of BPP.