The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), wants the Federal and State governments to improve on it’s contract procurement policies to check corrupt practices in the process.
The social innovator Mr. Adewole Oke, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the UNDP Nigeria Anti-Corruption Innovation Project Community of Practice Engagement, organized by UNDP, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and Open Contracting Partnership, in Abuja.
Speaking during the session, Mr Oke expressed satisfaction with Ekiti, Edo, and Plateau states Bureau of Public Procurement for demonstrating willingness to reform public procurement and champion anti-corruption initiatives.
According to him the UN body noted that through a tailored consortium between UNDP, Accountability Lab, and Open Contracting Partnership, the states Anti-Corruption Project is ensuring improved government procurement data, including public access by promoting efficiency.
He said, “The community of practice will also help to identify key achievements, obstacles, to forge positive and strategic ways for the growth of the project in the states and indeed, other states willing to embrace the accomplishments made in the pilot locations”.
He explained that accountability and transparency is a foundation to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16 which seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provides access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
The Programme Manager for Africa Open Contracting Partnership, Mr. Edidiong Okon, stressed the need for government to employ capable hands to oversee the procurement department.
The forum attracted key Government officials, Civil Society Organizations and the Media, to discuss ways of ensuring transparency and accountability in public procurement.
Reporting by Julian Osamoto; Editing by Chinasa Ossai