By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Public Procurement Commission (BPPC) on Tuesday organised a training program for local government procurement desk officers from across the state.
The training, held at the BPPC office in Makurdi, is part of ongoing efforts by the Benue State Government under Governor Hyacinth Alia to strengthen accountability in public procurement processes and curb corrupt practices.
Addressing participants, the Director General of BPPC, Dr Comfort Akwonya Adadu, emphasised that the training aims to equip desk officers with the knowledge and tools to ensure due process, transparency, and integrity in procurement operations.
“Our collective mission has always been clear: to ensure that public resources are used efficiently, transparently, and in a manner that yields the greatest value for the people of Benue State,” Adadu said, as she praised Governor Alia’s commitment to transforming governance through transparency and accountability.
A major highlight of BPPC’s anti-corruption strategy is the introduction of the eProcurement Portal, which Adadu described as a “game-changer” in the fight against corruption. The portal, she said, is designed to streamline procurement processes, reduce human interference, and minimise the risks of corrupt practices.
“However, technology alone cannot guarantee success,” Adadu cautioned. “The real difference lies in the people who drive these processes. That is why this training program is critical – because it reinforces our collective commitment to integrity and due process.”
In her presentation, Mrs. Mary Atabor, Head of the Public Enlightenment and Education Unit of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Benue State, highlighted the devastating effects of corruption on society.
Atabor, who represented the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mustapha Wala, lamented that a few corrupt individuals are holding the entire nation hostage, resulting in poor service delivery and economic hardship.
“Corruption leads to poor infrastructure, unemployment, and a lack of foreign investment,” she said, adding: “When you see something, say something and do something – report with evidence.”
She further warned that failing to report corrupt activities is an offense, urging participants to embrace self-discipline and actively combat corruption in their respective local governments.
Also speaking at the event, Igyuse Yahuze, Chairman of the Benue State Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), commended the BPPC for organising the training and assured that the FRC would enhance monitoring to ensure compliance with fiscal regulations.
“Our duty is to monitor both revenue and expenditure to ensure they align with the law,” Yahuze stated. He warned that those who fail to report financial discrepancies would face sanctions, adding that the FRC is preparing additional copies of the Fiscal Responsibility Law for distribution across state and local government offices.
“The law covers local governments, and every official must be prepared to account for their actions,” he added.
Participants described the training as eye-opening and timely. Mrs. Helen Hanma, Procurement Desk Officer for Tarka Local Government, said the program enhanced her understanding of her responsibilities and the importance of ensuring value for money.
Fidelis Terfa Torkunde, Procurement Desk Officer from Ushongo Local Government, praised the initiative as “impactful and innovative,” expressing optimism that the training would lead to more accountable and effective service delivery.
The training underscores the Benue State government’s commitment to fostering transparency, curbing corruption, and ensuring public resources are managed effectively for the benefit of its citizens.
