Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Nweze Umahi, has called for a shift in the public procurement process to eliminate delays hindering timely road infrastructure delivery. This was emphasized during a meeting with the management of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) held at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi-Abuja, on December 10, 2024.
The meeting, aimed at fostering a stronger partnership between the Ministry and BPP, highlighted the need for streamlined bureaucratic procedures to expedite project execution under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In his remarks, Senator Umahi, who is also an engineer, underscored the importance of timely procurement processes in achieving innovative, efficient, and sustainable road infrastructure. "We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to fast-track the delivery of road infrastructure projects inherited and initiated by this administration. Unnecessary delays in procurement undermine the objectives of the Bureau and the expectations of Nigerians," he stated.
The Minister further emphasized the adoption of diverse procurement methods—restrictive, selective, and competitive bidding—to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money in project execution. He also reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to delivering enduring road infrastructure that meets the demands of citizens.
Responding, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, commended Senator Umahi for his dedication and innovation in the works sector. He expressed the Bureau’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry to realize the road sector objectives of the Renewed Hope agenda.
"The Ministry of Works is central to the lives of Nigerians. If this sector fails, public confidence in government diminishes. Therefore, we are determined to ensure that our partnership delivers quality, sustainable, and long-lasting road projects," Dr. Adedokun noted.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by both parties and emphasized the importance of mutual understanding to achieve efficient service delivery. "Our goal is to ensure that the quality of roads we deliver can rival those of past decades, which remained intact for over 25 years," he added.
The meeting, attended by directors from both the Ministry and the Bureau, provided a platform for identifying bottlenecks in the procurement process and outlining strategies to address them. Key participants included Engr. Bede U. Obioha, Director of Highways Bridge and Design; Engr. Musa Saidu, Acting Director of Highways Road Design; and Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, alongside Nasir M. Bellow, Isaiah G. Yesufu, and Janet McDickson from the BPP.
The session concluded with a shared resolve to ensure the timely delivery of road projects that meet international standards, while fostering accountability and efficiency in the use of public resources.
