The Kaduna State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Public and Private Development Centre to integrate the state contracting platform with the Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS).
Mr Thomas Gyang, Director General of the state Public Procurement Authority, signed on behalf of the government, while Gift Omoidedia signed for the centre.
Gyang said the state would be the first in the country to join the OCDS, adding that it was to enhance financial discipline and ensure proper monitoring and execution of contracts.
On her part, Omoidedia, who is the Programme Director of the centre, explained that the partnership would ensure financial transparency in the procurement and contract process of government.
She said apart from offering technical expertise and support to the state Public Procurement Authority, it would also ensure proper tracking of projects by the public.
“The OCDS will ensure that any project being carried out in the state is linked from the tendering stage to the project implementation stage using a unique identifier.
“This makes it easy for citizens to track the status of various projects being implemented in their communities,’’ the director said.
Omoidedia explained that the state government had shown tremendous openness in its procurement practices and joining the OCDS would help to deliver projects on time, save money and create competitiveness in contract execution.
The Director added that “the Centre would also be able to red flag contractors who do not implement projects and promote smarter analysis and better solutions.’’
The Universal Basic Education Commission and National Agency for the Control of Aids are also working with the centre.
