Delta State has earned national recognition for its commitment to transparency and accountable governance, with the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) describing the state as a model for prudent resource management and public sector accountability in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, stated this in Asaba when he led top officials of the Bureau on an advocacy visit to the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Dr. Adedokun praised Delta State for voluntarily opening its systems to external scrutiny through the ICPC’s peer review process, noting that such a move demonstrates confidence in its governance structures and a willingness to embrace global best practices in public accountability.
According to him, Delta State has distinguished itself as a progressive partner in the fight against corruption by allowing independent assessments of its procurement and governance processes.
He stressed that effective governance and prudent management of resources at the state level are critical to national development, explaining that when states efficiently utilize their allocations, the Federal Government can concentrate on key constitutional responsibilities such as defence, national security, foreign affairs, and policy formulation.
“Delta State should be acknowledged as one of those states that has opened its doors for the ICPC to conduct peer reviews.
”This level of receptiveness is a testament to the administration’s confidence in its governance structures and its willingness to align with global best practices in public accountability,” Dr. Adedokun said.
He stated further that the visit was part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to strengthen collaboration between the Bureau of Public Procurement and state governments across the federation.
Adedokun noted that the engagement would provide an opportunity to share experiences, review procurement practices, assess budget implementation and project execution, and exchange best practices aimed at improving governance systems and enhancing the delivery of capital projects.
The BPP Director-General also reaffirmed the commitment of federal agencies, including the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to working closely with state governments to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery.
Responding, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, thanked the BPP and ICPC for the visit and for their willingness to support Delta State in strengthening its procurement and governance processes.
He reiterated the commitment of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration to transparency, quality service delivery, and value for money in project execution.
According to Onyeme, the state government places a premium on quality and accountability, noting that Governor Oborevwori regularly conducts on-site inspections of projects to ensure standards are maintained and public funds are judiciously utilized.
”This government is a government that believes in value for money; it is a government that believes in the quality of jobs done.
”If you have been following us, you will have seen on several occasions where the governor himself goes out to the field to look at the projects that are being executed, and their quality.
”We do not tolerate shabby jobs here, and I am sure that the two-day discussion you have with us will further strengthen us to make us better,” Sir Onyeme said.
He assured the visiting delegation of Delta State’s readiness to collaborate with the BPP and ICPC, expressing confidence that the engagements and peer review process would further enhance governance and improve outcomes for citizens.
