NCC assures of broadband support to promote e-Procurement

By Onome Amuge

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has expressed confidence that broadband connectivity, being driven by the federal government, through the Commission, will enhance electronic procurement (e-procurement) that will ensure greater accountability and transparency in governance process in Nigeria.

Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission, stated this at the 3rd Annual National Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON) in Lagos recently.

Speaking on the topic: “Implementation of e-procurement in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges”, Danbatta stressed that e-procurement was the way to go and that the Commission will continue to create the enabling environment required for e-procurement to thrive through NCC’s dedicated commitment to driving the attainment of ubiquitous broadband connectivity across Nigeria.

The NCC executive vice chairman also noted that Nigeria’s investment in broadband infrastructure is yielding substantial benefits for the country’s e-procurement sector, revolutionising the way businesses engage in procurement processes, especially Government-to-Business (G2B) and other e-government activities.

He said: “With the new administration in the country making broadband connectivity an outstanding pillar in its policy thrust, the Commission would continue to focus on improving broadband infrastructure to change the landscape of procurement governance, and help to unlock new possibilities for businesses and public institutions.

“With improved Internet connectivity, businesses across the country now have faster and more reliable access to e-procurement platforms, enabling them submit proposals, monitor tender opportunities in real time, and participate in online bidding process.”

Also at the event, the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria conferred  Umar Danbatta, with the “Excellent Service Delivery and Accountability Award”.

The award, it said,  was in recognition of Danbatta’s outstanding performance and contribution to the canons of the public procurement profession in Nigeria by ensuring that the NCC complies strictly with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007.

Danbatta was adjudged to have led an NCC that is transparent and open and compliant with the provisions of public procurement as enshrined in applicable laws of the land.

In his remark, Akparawa Kanico, APPON national president, congratulated the NCC chief for his remarkable leadership and ability to inspire everyone around him towards ensuring an effective procurement process in the Commission.

Kanico stated that the leadership finesse and administrative prowess of Danbatta have reflected in the impressive growth that the telecoms sector has witnessed in being an enabler of growth in other sectors of the economy and the national economy as a whole.

Danbatta, in his remark, appreciated the organisers of the awards for the recognition while describing it as ‘a great motivation to him and the Commission to be more transparent, open and process-driven in its procurement activities.’

Meanwhile, two members of staff of the NCC were inducted as APPON Fellows. They are Adejoke Atte, NCC’s head of procurement department and Bernard Kwembeh, a Principal Manager in the department.