Abuja: The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has emphasized the vital role of digitalisation across all economic sectors, highlighting its importance in combating corruption and driving national advancement. This assertion was made in a statement by Zira Nagga, Head of Public Relations at BPP, following a meeting with the National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPP, highlighted this during a meeting with a delegation from NITDA in his Abuja office. The visit aimed to strengthen the relationship between the two agencies, with a focus on ensuring compliance and setting standards in IT-related procurement.
Adedokun welcomed the collaboration with NITDA, noting its potential to reduce turnaround times, minimize corruption, and prevent the duplication of IT projects. He underlined the responsibility of both agencies, under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, to curtail wastage for national progress.
The Director-General called for the inclusion of the Accountant-General, Auditor-General, and anti-corruption bodies in monitoring procurement activities to detect and investigate fraudulent practices. Additionally, he proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BPP and NITDA to bolster their collaboration in capacity building and professionalisation.
He suggested that NITDA automate procurement processes and involve BPP in project design for certification, while also advocating for legal grooming in IT-related activities by involving ministry lawyers.
Dr. Kasinfu Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO of NITDA, expressed a commitment to enhancing collaboration with BPP, particularly in digitalisation, which is seen as crucial for national development. He emphasized the need for transformation and governance reforms to improve service delivery under the Tinubu administration.
Abdullahi mentioned plans to revise IT Clearance Guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability in projects designed by MDAs. He proposed the development of a National E-Government Master Plan and Nigeria Government Enterprise Architecture to provide integrated, digitized government services.
He outlined a three-stage proposal for IT guidelines, covering Solution Design, Implementation with cybersecurity and network security, and Quality Assurance to meet project expectations before payment.
Both agencies agreed to establish a team to work towards signing the MOU, reflecting their shared commitment to reducing corruption and wastage.