PRESS RELEASE

Pursuance to the actualization of its on – going Procurement Reform Programme aimed at setting an international standard in Procurement process in Ekiti State, and in alignment with one of the decisions of the State Government resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world, the Bureau of Public Procurement have engaged the micro, small and medium enterprises/indigenous contractors (MSMEs) in Ekiti State to actively participate in procurement of goods, works and services.

Speaking at the interactive session, the Special Adviser/ Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. O’Seun Odewale hinted that the micro, small and medium enterprises were vital to the development of Ekiti State, which informed the decision of the Bureau to interface with this class of service providers as a way of enlightening same on the various opportunities accruable to them once they are conversant with and abide by the basic requirements of the process.

Odewale who noted that it has been observed over the years that part of the obstacle for the participation of MSMEs in the State include lack of knowledge to bidding opportunities, high cost of bidding preparations, difficulties in obtaining financial instruments, among others posited that participants have been better informed about the basic requirements of procurement process such as the reenacted procurement Law and the revised registration requirements, ditto bidding process and procedure, and urged them to build local capacity.

“Participants have been well informed on bid procedures, processes and opportunities available for which will in turn increase their understanding of the public procurement law and foster their participation in government contract process thereby reducing capital-flight and improve the economy of the state at large” he said.

In his submission, the state focal person of State Fiscal transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) a program for result introduced by the World Bank to strengthen state- level fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability, Mr. Titus Adelusi submitted that it had been averred that the small scale enterprise in Nigeria are not only catalysts of economic growth and national development but are also the bedrock of the nation, as about 96% of the businesses in Nigeria are MSMEs which contributes 75% of the employment in Nigeria.

At the end of the session, participants expressed their appreciation and lauded the present Governor Kayode Fayemi led administration’s commitment at developing every sector for the socio-economic emancipation of the citizenry describing it as a new dawn saying the interface was an eye opener.

The interface with the theme “Improving Participation of MSMEs in Government Procurement in Ekiti State” has sessions such as pre- qualification requirements; State Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS); requirements for MSMEs; requirements for registration with the Bureau; Bidding process and procedure; e-registration among others.

Festus ABOSEDE

Assistant Director, Information.