By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State House of Assembly has commenced a public sitting to consider the 2023 reports of the Ondo State Bureau of Public Procurement (ODBPP).

The two-day programme, is being conducted by the House Ad-hoc Committee on Tender and Procurement, with some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in attendance for questioning and clarification.

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji while declaring the program open commended the prompt submission of the report, describing it as a vital step in promoting transparency and good governance.

Speaking through the Chairman Ad-hoc Committee ,Olatunji lfabiyi, the Speaker charged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government to prioritise efficiency and accountability in the discharge of their duties, stressing that public trust must be earned through responsible and transparent service delivery.

The Speaker reiterated the Assembly’s resolve to continue promoting good governance through effective oversight functions and collaboration with relevant agencies.

In his opening remarks,the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Olatunji lfabiyi stated that the exercise became imperative in order to set the record straight and ensure accountability.

According to him, the report enables the State Assembly to exercise oversight, ensure accountability, and promote fiscal discipline in public procurement.

He appreciated the Accounting Officers and other officials in attendance for honouring the invitation and urged them to offer maximum cooperation to achieve the set objectives.

The Chairman described the exercise as highly commendable, and encouraged MDAs to take it seriously.

The Committee also urged the ODBPP to furnish all MDAs with the guidelines of the public procurement laws to ensure strict adherence to due process, transparency, and competitive standards.

The Ondo State Bureau of Public Procurement (ODBPP) typically compiles and presents a Procurement Performance Report of all MDAs to the Ondo State House of Assembly. The report highlights how public funds are being spent and whether MDAs are complying with procurement laws and procedures.

MDAs in attendance commended the initiative, describing it as a noble one. They also called for more training and capacity building for procurement officers and other relevant personnel to enhance effective service delivery.

Eleven MDAs appeared before the ad-hoc Committee for the exercise, which continues tomorrow.