Digitalization of every sector of the economy is paramount, especially in this era where Information Technology (IT) is expected to take the lead in curbing corrupt practices for the advancement and transformation of the country.
The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, MCIPS, ACFE, made this known while receiving the delegation from the National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in his office in Abuja to deepen the relationship between the BPP and NITDA.
Dr. Adedokun ascribed the NITDA visit as a historic and welcome development, which paves way on the way of procuring IT related projects through standardization and compliance.
The DG lay emphasis on the digitalization of procurement processes and IT related projects, which helps to reduce turn-around time, curb corruption, and prevent duplication of IT related projects.
He called on both BPP and NITDA to take ownership, as both agencies have huge responsibilities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to cut down wastages for the progress of the country.
Dr. Adebowale reiterated the need to bring on board, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Auditor General for the Federation (AudGF) and Anti-Corruption Agencies to monitor the implementation of procurement activities, and to take cognizance and drastic action against fraudulent activities, as he demands an agreement of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BPP and NITDA to strengthen the longtime existing relationship; Professionalization in the area of Capacity building; having a Competent ICT and Procurement Sector; Standardization of Procurement Document and IT price Intelligence, for benchmarking in all IT related projects.
The Director- General/CEO, NITDA, Dr. Kasinfu Inuwa Abdulahi, re-echoes the assertion of transformation, reforms and improving governance for effective service delivery which is paramount in this present administration, as his visit is to explore on how to strengthen collaboration with BPP especially on digitalization for the critical roles IT plays in every facet of the nation.
He said that NITDA has decided to review IT Clearance Guidelines for the purpose of transparency and accountability of MDAs designed projects. Adding that, to address the implementation of the guideline, there is the need to build National E-Government Master Plan; Nigeria Government Enterprise Architecture, an IT system to deliver seamless services to citizens; a digitize government service for integration.
Dr. Kasinfu said that NITDA is proposing three stages for IT guideline, such as; Solution Design for certification purposes; Implementation, by building cyber security certification and Network security; and Quality Assurance, whereby expectation of the desired project should be met before payment.
Dr. Adebowale in his response, suggested that NITDA should automate procurement processes by extending the portal to BPP for information and feedbacks, including BPP as part of project design for certification purposes; inclusion of lawyers from the ministries to be groomed on IT related activities for legal purposes.
Both agencies agreed to set up a team to work together for the signing of the MOU as the visit underscored shared commitment to curb corruption and reduce wastages.