Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Edo State, NigeriaÂ
In a significant diplomatic exchange, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State played host to a delegation from Liberia’s Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) led by Executive Director Bodger Scott Johnson.
The meeting, held today in Benin City, focused on discussions regarding the successful implementation of the state’s e-procurement system.
In a statement released on his verified Facebook handle, Governor Obaseki expressed his delight at welcoming the PPCC team.
He conveyed, “I am delighted to receive the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) team from Liberia, led by the Executive Director, Bodger Scott Johnson in Benin City. We shared insights on the modest successes of our state’s e-procurement system.”
Governor Obaseki emphasized the pivotal role of procurement in the development of the state, tracing the journey back over 15 years when the state embarked on the process of revamping its procurement system alongside obtaining its first budget facilities. He acknowledged the challenges faced during the evolution but highlighted the consistent and gradual growth the state has experienced.
“It has been a case of gradual growth ever since. We have gleaned valuable lessons along the way and know that, politically, it’s difficult but with the technical people on the ground, things can be done right,” Governor Obaseki stated, underlining the importance of a balanced approach that involves both political will and technical expertise.
The discussions between the Edo State government and the Liberian PPCC team covered a range of topics, including the challenges faced in implementing effective procurement systems and the strategies employed to overcome them. The meeting provided a platform for the exchange of insights and lessons learned in the realm of procurement, fostering collaboration between the two entities.
As Edo State continues to make strides in the realm of e-procurement, this exchange serves as a testament to the state’s commitment to sharing its experiences and contributing to the broader discourse on effective governance and procurement practices. The visit of the Liberian PPCC team marks a positive step towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting mutual learning in the field of public procurement.