The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has received the “Excellent Service Delivery and Accountability Award” conferred on him by the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON).
This was disclosed in a statement by the Director, Public Affiairs of the NCC, Reuben Muoka which stated that, Danbatta received the award at the 3rd Annual National Conference and Awards Ceremony organized by the APPON in Lagos recently.
According to the statement, the award was in recognition of his outstanding performance and contribution to Public Procurement profession in Nigeria by ensuring that the NCC complies strictly with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007.
Danbatta was believed to have ensured that, the is transparent, open and compliant with the provisions of Public Pocurement Act as enshrined in the laws of the land.
In his remark, the APPON National President, Akparawa Kanico, congratulated the Danbatta for his remarkable leadership and ability to inspire people around him towards ensuring effective procurement process in NCC.
He noted that his leadership and administrative prowess have reflected in the impressive growth witnessed by the telecoms sector which has brought growth in other sectors of the national economy.
Responding, Danbatta appreciated the organisers of the Awards for the recognition, describing it as ‘a great motivation to him and the Commission to be more transparent, open and process-driven in its procurement activities.’
While speaking on the topic: “Implementation of e-procurement in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges”, Danbatta said broadband connectivity, being driven by the Federal Government, through the Commission, will enhance e-procurement that will ensure greater accountability and transparency in governance process in Nigeria.
Danbatta added that, e-procurement was the way to go and that the Commission will continue to create the enabling environment required to thrive through NCC’s dedicated commitment to drive the attainment of ubiquitous broadband connectivity across Nigeria.
He said Nigeria’s investment in broadband infrastructure is yielding substantial benefits for the country’s e-procurement sector, revolutionizing the way businesses engage in procurement processes, especially Government-to-Business (G2B) and other e-government activities.
He said, “With the new administration in the country making broadband connectivity an outstanding pillar in its policy thrust, the Commission would continue to focus on improving broadband infrastructure to change the landscape of procurement governance, and help to unlock new possibilities for businesses and public institutions.
“With improved Internet connectivity, businesses across the country now have faster and more reliable access to e-procurement platforms, enabling them submit proposals, monitor tender opportunities in real time, and participate in online bidding process”.
Two members of staff of the Commission; Head of Procurement Department, Adejoke Atte, and Bernard Kwembeh, a Principal Manager in the department, were also inducted as APPON Fellows at the event.
