PROCUREMENT: DTSG Trains Accounting Officers On 2025 Budget Implementation

The Delta State Public Procurement Commission has organized a one-day training programme for accounting officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state to equip them for accountability in the implementation of the 2025 budget.

Permanent Secretaries, Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics and Heads of Procurement, among others, took part in the training.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the State Procurement Council, David Igbodo, reminded the accounting officers of their role in ensuring that the state’s fiscal policies and programmes were translated to tangible development outcomes. 

Igbodo said the engagement served as a platform to reinforce the collective understanding of procurement principles, compliance expectations, and the strategic alignment of actions with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. 

He emphasized that the MORE Agenda was not just a policy thrust, but a transformative vision that required every MDA to be diligent, purposeful and transparent in its procurement activities, as every money spent must be justifiable and every project executed must reflect value for money.

Igbodo, an Assistant Inspector General of Police (rtd), reminded the accounting officers of the existence of the State Public Procurement Law which had made adequate provisions for sanctions against infractions, adding that the Commission expected maximum compliance from the accounting officers. 

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Commission, Mr Edwin Abraka, underscored the importance of constant training for the accounting officers, and charged the participants to apply the knowledge gained to the effective discharge of their duties. 

The interactive meeting, which also marked the first public engagement of the State Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Minnie Oseji since her inauguration, saw lectures delivered by seasoned resource persons on the procurement process and relevant laws. 

Mr Okekeri Obas took the participants on the procedures and processes for the award of contract in line with the enabling laws, Mr Albert Osiagwu presented a lecture on the functions of the Commission, while Bar Philip Tom-Biger discussed the offences and punishments provided for in the State Procurement Law (2020).