By Amos Aar
LOWER cadre workers in Benue are at the receiving end of procurement challenges as senior civil servants often resist procurement process, a junior civil servant has said.
The junior worker, who preferred anonymity for fear of retribution, spoke to National Record on the sideline of a workshop organised by the Benue State Public Procurement Commission (BPPC).
According to the junior civil servant, their senior colleagues in the civil service often resist procurement processes because they benefit from questionable practices both in the past and now, a situation he alleged pose serious challenges for lower-cadre officials tasked with implementing procurement procedures.
“We’re forced to do what’s not supposed to be done, and when we refuse, it becomes an issue. Our leaders feel threatened by the introduction of procurement processes, which challenge their long-held benefits,” the participant alleged, adding that the resistance leads to imposed work schedules, compromised work quality, and frustration among lower-level officials.
“The procurement process is not well-established in the state’s civil service. As a result, we face numerous challenges in doing our work effectively,” the civil servant further stated, noting the determination of lower cadre workers preparedness for challenges ahead, armed with fresh knowledge from the workshop.
Under the theme of the workshop, “Mental Health in the Work Place”, health experts spoke on work-related stress and its management for optimal productivity.
In a session, Dr Iorlumun Shimakaa, who is the Chairman, Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, advised participants to prioritise regular mental health check-ups.
“To maintain productivity, workers should develop healthy habits like smiling to relieve stress, staying hydrated, taking breaks during work hours, interacting with colleagues, and ensuring a conducive work environment.”
Another facilitator, Mr. Alex Ivambe, spoke on procurement thresholds, the methods for approval by authorities, and the reporting templates required at the end of the procurement year.
Earlier in her welcome address, BPPC Director General, Dr Comfort Akwonya Adadu, emphasised the importance of mental well-being in achieving productivity and efficiency in the workplace as she also called for the adoption of practices that promote mental health to enhance workplace productivity.
“It is my honour to warmly welcome each of you to this important workshop organised by the Benue State Public Procurement Commission, in collaboration with Life-Cave Global Services and the Ministry of Health and Human Services. This initiative underscores our collective commitment to advancing efficiency, transparency, and employee well-being within the sector,” she said.
Dr Adadu highlighted the workshop’s dual focus – improving the accuracy and transparency of procurement processes and addressing the importance of mental health in the workplace, saying: “The workshop will cover effective methods to complete procurement plans and reporting templates, ensuring that public funds are used responsibly and align with the state’s vision for sustainable development.”
She further noted that the emphasis on mental health reflects organisational priority to foster supportive environment for public sector employees. “When workers are mentally stable, their output improves. Today’s discussions on mental health are not just timely but essential in building a culture of care and respect within our institutions,” she added.
The DG expressed gratitude to the workshop’s collaborators and supporters. “I would like to thank our partners, including the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Commissioner of Finance, and Life-Cave Global Services, for their invaluable support in making this workshop possible.”
She encouraged participants to use the insights gained for their benefit and ultimately the people of Benue State.
Reflecting on the workshop, Mrs. Regina Odiba from the State Ministry of Finance shared that she found the session on work-related stress particularly helpful. “I’ve learned how stress has been affecting my work, and now I have tools to manage it better,” she said.
On his part, Engr. Barnabas Adzande from the Bureau of Special Projects and Infrastructure said the workshop was timely and would in impact positively on their service delivery.
In their various commitments, other participants promised to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to drive meaningful impacts within their respective institutions and the wider Benue community.
