The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has taken bold steps to strengthen its institutional framework for project delivery by partnering with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), pledging to entrench transparency, accountability, and value-for-money practices in all its operations.
This followed a strategic courtesy visit by the SSDC delegation, led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, to the Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, at his Abuja office over the weekend.
Speaking during the engagement, Ms. Akpabio described the visit as timely, coming at a critical phase in the Commission’s take-off. She stressed that the SSDC is mandated to drive sustainable development, infrastructure expansion, human capital investment, and economic transformation across the South-South region — which she referred to as the “engine room” of Nigeria’s economy.
“As we roll out our programmes, SSDC is committed to aligning all procurement activities with the Public Procurement Act and BPP guidelines. We seek strong collaboration with BPP to build a framework that guarantees fairness, competitiveness, and value-for-money in every project we deliver,” Akpabio stated.
The SSDC requested technical support and capacity-building for its staff in e-procurement, due process certification, risk assessment, contract management, and project monitoring. It also sought procurement monitoring templates and audit tools to enhance compliance with statutory requirements, alongside expedited “no-objection” certifications for priority projects.
Responding, Dr. Adedokun commended SSDC’s proactive stance and pledged BPP’s full technical support to ensure the Commission’s seamless operations. He underscored the importance of inclusive, people-centred projects that directly address the needs of communities.
“The SSDC must focus on youth, women, and persons with disabilities, particularly through vocational training, entrepreneurship, and skills development. While BPP will provide technical guidance, we expect strict adherence to procurement processes,” he stressed.
Both institutions sealed the engagement with a shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth, affirming their determination to transform the South-South into a hub of prosperity and national economic strength.
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