The Rivers State government has vowed to eliminate exorbitant contracts and ensure maximum value for every expenditure in its procurement processes. This commitment to transparency and accountability was reiterated by Lawrence Oko-Jaja, SAN, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Bureau of Public Procurement, during a recent meeting with Bureau staff in Port Harcourt.
Recognizing the pivotal role of procurement in driving state development, Oko-Jaja emphasized the importance of this task. To achieve this goal, the Bureau has established a dedicated Price Intelligence Department. This department will rigorously monitor and regulate contract prices, ensuring they accurately reflect market realities and remain within acceptable limits. Furthermore, it will actively monitor contractor performance, preventing the use of substandard materials and mitigating costly project failures.
Oko-Jaja underscored the Board's unwavering commitment to Governor Siminalaye Fubara's "Rivers First" mantra, ensuring that all programs and policies are implemented efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the Rivers State populace. He stated, "Procurement is a global imperative. Without a robust procurement plan, no state, nation, or even the world can progress. We are determined to maximize value for every public expenditure, ensuring the state government receives the highest quality services and products at the most competitive prices. We will not tolerate inflated contracts or any misuse of public funds."
Following a productive inaugural meeting with Bureau staff, Oko-Jaja reaffirmed the Board's dedication to transparency and accountability. This interactive session, a departure from previous practices, provided staff with direct access to the Board's policies and expectations. This open communication fosters a culture of responsibility within the Bureau, holding each department accountable for its actions.
Oko-Jaja assured the people of Rivers State that the Bureau would uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability, aligning with Governor Fubara's "Rivers First" vision. He emphasized that the Bureau's primary focus is to ensure all its activities directly benefit the people of Rivers State and those conducting business within the state.
This proactive approach is expected to yield significant cost savings for the state government, enabling the redirection of funds towards critical projects while fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in all procurement processes.
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