Procurement Policy Reforms: NDDC Briefs Stakeholders In Abia

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has extended its stakeholder engagement programme on procurement policy reform and the digitisation of its procurement system – aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency and accountability – to Abia State.

Speaking at the NDDC Procurement Policy Reform and Digitisation Stakeholders’ Sensitisation and Training Summit in Aba, Abia State, the NDDC Director of Procurement, Dr Chuks Osuji, explained that the initiative is designed to drive institutional reform, strengthen systems, enhance transparency and improve public sector service delivery across the Niger Delta region.

Dr Osuji, represented by the NDDC Assistant Director of Procurement, Engr. Freeman Okwurakpo, affirmed the Commission’s commitment to impactful initiatives that improve the quality of life for the people. He stated, “This sensitisation workshop reflects our ongoing efforts to build capacity, enhance institutional knowledge, and adopt innovative solutions aligned with global best practice in governance and service delivery.”

Dr Osuji continued: “We believe empowering stakeholders, contractors, and service providers with the right knowledge and resources will accelerate development and create lasting value for our communities. The primary aim of this workshop is to ensure that stakeholders, contractors and service providers align their procurement operations with the Commission’s strategic repositioning for efficient service delivery.”

“As we move towards digital procurement operations and activities within the NDDC, an economic revolution is on the horizon; a social renaissance for our regional community is within reach. This positive change is inevitable, and we urge you to join us as we transition from transactional to transformational service delivery for our people.”

The NDDC Director for the Abia State office, Mr Anderson Ukeh, praised the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for enabling the programme to take place in Abia State. Mr Ukeh noted that the NDDC has been fully digitised and automated thanks to Dr Ogbuku’s efforts, adding that the Commission has moved “from transaction to transformation – it’s a new chapter for the NDDC.”

Dr Rex Ugulu, Associate Professor in the Department of Procurement Management at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and the training facilitator, explained that the initiative aims to educate key stakeholders – including government officials, private sector partners, civil society organisations, and the general public – on the benefits and implementation strategies of modernised procurement processes.

According to Dr Ugulu, “At the heart of this reform is the transition from manual, paper-based systems to a fully digital platform, which will enhance accessibility, reduce delays and minimise opportunities for corruption.”

Dr Ugulu emphasised that digitising the procurement process is not simply a technological upgrade, but a crucial government reform. He stated, “By embracing digital tools, we are promoting transparency, improving service delivery and ensuring that public resources are managed more responsibly.”