The Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON) has conferred the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, with the “Excellent Service Delivery and Accountability Award”.
The body indicated that award, which was conferred on the telecom sector’s regulator at the 3rd Annual National Conference and Awards Ceremony held in Lagos, was in recognition of his outstanding performance and contribution to the canons of the public procurement profession in Nigeria by ensuring that the NCC complies strictly with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007.
Danbatta was adjudged to have led an NCC that is transparent and open and compliant with the provisions of public procurement as enshrined in applicable laws of the land.
In his remarks at the event, the APPON National President, Akparawa Kanico, congratulated the EVC for his remarkable leadership and ability to inspire everyone around him towards ensuring effective procurement process in the Commission.
He stated that the leadership qualities and administrative prowess of the awardee had reflected in the impressive growth that the telecoms sector has witnessed in being an enabler of growth in other sectors of the economy and the national economy as a whole.
Responding to the honour bestowed on him by the group with the award, Danbatta described the recognition as ‘a great motivation to him and the Commission to be more transparent, open and process-driven in its procurement activities.’
In his paper delivered at the forum with the topic “Implementation of e-procurement in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges”, the NCC’s boss said that broadband connectivity, being driven by the Federal Government through the commission, would enhance electronic procurement (e-procurement) that will ensure greater accountability and transparency in governance process in Nigeria.
He stressed that e-procurement was the way to go and that the Commission will continue to create the enabling environment required for e-procurement to thrive through NCC’s dedicated commitment to driving the attainment of ubiquitous broadband connectivity across Nigeria.
Danbatta maintained that Nigeria’s investment in broadband infrastructure was adding immeasurable benefits to 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 elaborated: “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”, the EVC added
Meanwhile, two members of staff of the Commission, namely NCC’s Head of Procurement Department, Adejoke Atte; and a Principal Manager in the Department, Bernard Kwembeh; were inducted as APPON Fellows at the event.
Award Photo Caption
L-R: The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta; and The Ashogbon of Lagos, Chief Ahmed Akasoro; at the presentation of the Procurement Compliance Excellence Service Award to Danbatta during the 3rd Annual National Conference/Induction Award Ceremony by the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON) held in Lagos recently
