Value For Money, Good Governance: NUJ Partners BSPPC

R-L: Leadership Newspapers’ correspondent/SWAN chairman, Hembadoon Rosario Orsar, NUJ state secretary, Comrade Oryiman Gwaza, NUJ state chairman, comrade Bemdoo Ugber, BSPPC’s DG, Engr Dr Comfort Akwonya Adadu, NUJ Vice Chairman, comrade Jerry Tyosase, NUJ ex-officio 2, Comrade Tor Vande Acka, special assistant to the NUJ chairman on social media affairs, comrade Amos Aar, and other NUJ officials (at the back) during the courtesy visit on Friday at the BSPPC’s office, Makurdi

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, has sought a partnership with the Benue State Public Procurement Commission (BSPPC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance in the state’s procurement processes.

The NUJ executive council, led by its chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Director General of BSPPC, Engr. Dr. Comfort Akwonya Adadu, at her office on Friday. Ugber emphasized the constitutional role of journalists in holding the government accountable and proposed a collaboration between the commission and the media to ensure that procurement processes serve the best interests of the people.

He commended Adadu for her previous role as Chairperson of the Illegal Mining Task Force in Benue State, noting that her recommendations helped place the state on the national mineral resources map. He expressed confidence in her ability to lead the BSPPC effectively and called for a robust partnership to ensure value for money in government transactions.

Ugber requested the commission’s support in training journalists and civil society organizations on procurement laws and procedures to equip them with firsthand knowledge of the system. He also appealed for office equipment, including laptops and a printer, to facilitate NUJ’s operations and urged Adadu to include journalists in the commission’s newly constituted committee for procurement monitoring.

Responding, the BSPPC’s DG, Engr Dr Comfort Adadu, affirmed the importance of media participation in procurement processes and assured that the NUJ would be integrated into the commission’s activities. She highlighted that the BSPPC was established in 2020 under the Benue State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Program to ensure efficiency, accountability, and equal opportunities in public procurement.

She reiterated Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to due process in contract awards, noting that all procurement approvals must be backed by a certificate of no objection. She described the governor as a champion of due process, ensuring that projects align with budgetary provisions to prevent overspending and reduce government debt.

Adadu acknowledged challenges facing the commission, including inadequate funding and office space, but expressed optimism that these issues would be addressed. She also emphasized the sustainability of the commission’s transparency measures, citing Benue State’s adoption of an e-procurement system that enhances accountability through digital bidding and contract evaluations.

She reaffirmed that the commission’s mandate is to ensure value for money in government spending, monitor projects for compliance with procurement laws, and provide training to stakeholders. She assured that journalists would be actively engaged in the process to strengthen public trust in government procurement.

On her part, BSPPC Information Officer, Mongol Ageda, in her closing remarks, commended the NUJ for its commitment to transparency and accountability. She acknowledged financial constraints affecting the commission’s operations, including the delayed allocation of official vehicles and funds, and expressed hope that the state government would address these concerns.

The visit reinforced the shared commitment of the NUJ and BSPPC to promoting good governance and ensuring that public procurement in Benue State adheres to due process for the benefit of the people.