The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to institutional reforms through the full adoption of the Federal Government’s digital transformation policy, with a strong focus on modernising procurement processes to enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation and training workshop in Warri, Delta State, the Commission’s Director of Procurement, Dr Chuks Osuji, said the initiative was designed to equip key actors—including government officials, procurement officers, consultants, contractors, private-sector vendors and civil society organisations—with the knowledge required to navigate a fully digitised procurement system.
Represented by the Deputy Director of Procurement, Mr Tumi Grant, Osuji noted that the Commission was aligning its processes with global best practices to improve service delivery. He stressed that digital procurement would eliminate bottlenecks associated with manual systems and foster greater accountability.
“This effort reflects our commitment to modern procurement practices that reduce inefficiencies and ensure value for money.
Digitisation simplifies bidding processes, allowing stakeholders to participate from any location, while curbing nepotism, bureaucracy and irregularities,” he said.
Also speaking, the NDDC Director for Delta State, Engr. Onoriode Omo-Udoyo, underscored the Federal Government’s directive mandating all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to digitise their operations.
He noted that procurement, as a critical interface between the Commission and service providers, requires a tailored digital framework.
Omo-Udoyo explained that the workshop was convened to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the Commission’s digital procurement architecture and ensure seamless integration into the new system. He added that the transition would improve efficiency, strengthen transparency and accountability, and significantly reduce delays linked to manual processes.
In a presentation on policy reform and procurement transparency, Dr Rex Ugulu, Research Coordinator in Procurement Management at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, highlighted the central role of public procurement in economic development, service delivery and governance.
He emphasised that automation of procurement systems enhances transparency, curbs corruption and drives operational efficiency, urging stakeholders to embrace the transition to digital platforms.
