From Maiharaji Altine, Gusau
Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state today performed the inauguration of Zamfara state council on Public Procurement.
In a statement, the press secretary to the Governor, Malam Jamilu Ilyasu said the occasion which was held at the Government House, Gusau was the first of its kind since the creation of thestate twenty five years ago.
Governor Bello Matawalle said the establishment of the Bureau was part of his Administration’s efforts to deeply entrench the culture of transparency in the process of awards of contracts, pointing out that since coming on board, his administration has introduced a number of reforms in the public service.
He added that part of the reforms is the establishment of the Bureau for Public Procurement which is basically aimed at addressing the public concern on the poor level of transparency and robust institutional mechanism to ensure effective and prudent utilisation of public funds.
Governor Bello Matawalle explained that “As the world is a global village of technology today, the global business environment is competitive more than at any other time in human history, part of the key considerations in making investment decisions is transparency in the prospective business environment”.
To this end, The Governor said the setting up of the Bureau was not only aimed at addressing issues relating to Government contract award and execution but also winning the confidence of investors.
He said the Bureau and its council would ensure a more transparent system of contract bidding, award and implementation in line with global transparency initiative.
Members of the council included the Governor or, in his absence, the Deputy Governor will serve as the chairman, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bala Bello Maru and the Head of service, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe.
Others are the Attorney General and commissioner of justice, Hon commissioner of finance, Hon commissioner of Budget and economic planning, Director General of the Bureau and the Chairman Zamfara State Anti corruption commission.
The rest are, three other persons with experience in engineering, law, economics and procurement. One from each of the three senatorial Districts of the state.
Also in the council are, Alhaji Hamisu Danjibga, representative of the Nigeria union of Journalists NUJ, the representative of the institute of purchasing and supply, representative of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Engineer Rabiu Saidu Moriki, representative of the Association of Surveyors and estate valuers Zamfara state, QS Attahiru Muhammad Maradun.
The Representative of Zamfara state Chamber of commerce, Alhaji Balan Bayis, Representative of the Association of any Accounting body, Alhaji Shuaibu Hamidu Anka, Representative of the Nigeria Bar Association, Barrister Aliyu Ajiya Bukkuyum are also in the council, while the Secretary of the Bureau Barrister Musa Labbo Abdullahi will serve as the Secretary of the Council.
The Shettiman Sokoto further explained that the major functions of the council include, receiving and considering for approval the audited account of the Bureau, periodically, review the socio-economic effects of procurement policies, orovide advisory services to the Governor on the status of the State Government procurement in relation to annual appropriation, approve procurement guidelines and regulations among others.
In a votes of thanks on behalf of the Council members, the Director General of the Bureau, Alhaji Usman Ibrahim Furfuri thanked the Governor for giving them the opportunity to contribute to the development of the State, and assured that the Council would always be guided by the provisions of the law establishing it and the public interest.
