By Yemi Akinsuyi
The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has intensified reforms in the State’s procurement processes, making transparency, accountability, and value-for-money the cornerstone of governance.
At the centre of these reforms is the Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Deborah Okunbo.
Okunbo said the Agency has been repositioned as the fulcrum of good governance, ensuring that every kobo spent by the government reflects the interest of Edo people.
“Anchored on the Edo State’s Public Procurement Law, the reforms mandate full disclosure of procurement records and enforce strict oversight across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
“Key stakeholders in procurement are now required to sign a Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Disclosure before participating in bid evaluations.
“Officers with vested interests are compelled to recuse themselves. This measure is eliminating collusion, bid-rigging, contract inflation, and other fraudulent practices.
“The Okpebholo administration has also introduced digitalisation and e-procurement into the system. Contractor registration certificates are now automated and issued electronically.
“An online portal for contractor registration, complete with real-time payment options, will soon be launched.
“In addition, a robust electronic bidding and evaluation system is being developed to onboard all MDAs, thereby ensuring efficiency, openness, and equitable access for all stakeholders, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“To broaden participation, contracts are being packaged into smaller lots, opening opportunities for SMEs while keeping the process competitive enough to attract credible national and international firms. This ensures inclusivity, fairness, and global competitiveness in Edo’s procurement system.
“The Government has equally strengthened value-for-money benchmarks. Contracts are now awarded strictly to the lowest responsive and qualified bidder, with bids subjected to market-rate checks, quality assessments, and timeliness reviews.
“Projects are being monitored through contract milestones and validated with citizen feedback to ensure delivery meets public expectations.
“Recognising the technical nature of procurement, the EDPPA is also investing heavily in capacity building. Agency staff engage in fortnight training sessions, while partnership with the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) has allowed procurement officers to provide lectures and workshops to civil servants, political appointees, local government officials, civil society, and the general public.
“Looking ahead, the Edo State Government will deepen reforms through open contracting standards, artificial intelligence for fraud detection, stronger citizen oversight, and sustainability benchmarks that align with global best practices.
“Governor Okpebholo reiterates his administration’s commitment to making Edo a national benchmark for procurement excellence, where corruption has no hiding place and governance delivers maximum benefits to citizens”, she said.
