By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, (NUPRC), committed to partner with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to boost its procurement compliance level to over 95%, so as to strengthen transparency and accountability in its operations.
A statement by Eniola Akinkuotu, NUPRC Head, Media and Corporate Communications on Thursday, said the commitment was made at a high-level capacity building workshop for the NUPRC top management, in Abuja.
The capacity-building programme organised in collaboration with the BPP, was aimed at consolidating the Commission’s procurement practices in line with the Public Procurement Act 2007 and international best practices.
In her remarks, the Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyewa Eyesan, said, “One of the things that came to the fore is that compliance is critical, especially in the industry we regulate. There is zero tolerance for indecision and corruption, and so we must not be found in error.
“Whatever we must do, whatever knowledge we need to acquire, whatever amendments or processes, we must institute those changes as quickly as possible. And the best way to proceed is to be fully aware and properly educated about what needs to happen.”
Eyesan also reiterated that the commission is dedicated to rejigging its procurement practices and ensuring full compliance. The NUPRC boss emphasised that digitising the procurement system would eliminate many discretionary decisions.
“We are already working on this, and by God’s grace, we will be launching a digital platform for our correspondences. And we will take it a notch higher to ensure that all our processes are digitised.
“I am making a commitment on behalf of my colleagues—that in six months’ time, we will carry out an audit. I want to be able to say that we have met, if not all, but at least 90% compliance,” the CCE said.
In his remarks, the Director-General, BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, expressed delight at the Commission’s quest to lead in procurement transparency. He urged participants to ensure that the workshop yields the expected outcomes.