The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has intensified procurement reforms to entrench transparency, accountability, and value-for-money in governance.
At the heart of these reforms is the Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Deborah Okunbo. The Agency has been repositioned as a central driver of good governance, ensuring that every kobo spent reflects the interest of Edo people.
Anchored on the Edo State Public Procurement Law, the reforms mandate full disclosure of procurement records and strict oversight across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Key stakeholders in procurement must now sign a Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Disclosure before participating in bid evaluations, while officers with vested interests are compelled to recuse themselves. This has significantly curbed collusion, bid-rigging, contract inflation, and other fraudulent practices.
The administration has also embraced digitalisation and e-procurement. Contractor registration certificates are now automated and issued electronically, with an online portal for registration and real-time payment options set to launch soon. A robust electronic bidding and evaluation system is also being developed to onboard all MDAs, ensuring efficiency, fairness, and equitable access—particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
To broaden participation, contracts are being packaged into smaller lots, giving SMEs greater opportunities while keeping the process competitive enough to attract credible national and international firms. This guarantees inclusivity, fairness, and global competitiveness in Edo’s procurement system.
The government has equally strengthened value-for-money benchmarks. Contracts are awarded strictly to the lowest responsive and qualified bidder, with all bids subjected to market-rate checks, quality assessments, and timeliness reviews. Projects are tracked through contract milestones and validated with citizen feedback to ensure delivery meets public expectations.
Recognising the technical nature of procurement, the EDPPA is investing heavily in capacity building. Staff undergo fortnightly training, while partnerships with the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) enable procurement officers to deliver lectures and workshops to civil servants, political appointees, local government officials, civil society, and the general public.
Looking ahead, Edo State will further deepen reforms through open contracting standards, artificial intelligence for fraud detection, enhanced citizen oversight, and sustainability benchmarks aligned with global best practices.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Edo a national benchmark for procurement excellence, where corruption has no hiding place and governance delivers maximum benefits to citizens.
