BPP deploys data exchange tool to check corrupt bidding process

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has deployed a data exchange strategy in the bidding process with a view to eradicating the patronage of portfolio companies as well as prevent companies from providing false claims in their submissions to gain undue competitive advantage.

The agency recently deployed an updated version of the National Database of Contractors, integrated with other governmental agencies, including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for real-time data exchange.

The BPP Director General, Mamman Ahmadu, who spoke Tuesday at the opening of a six-day sectoral capacity building workshop on public procurement process, also disclosed that the agency had moved to address procurement impediments that may affect the smooth implementation of the 2018 federal government budget. He stated that the capacity-building programme, which is being attended by heads of procurement departments in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government, was part of measures to have an all-inclusive procurement process.

As the regulatory agency responsible for the monitoring and oversight of public procurement, he stated that the BPP was putting in place adequate measures to have an efficient procurement system.

(ThisDay)