Okpebholo Anchors Edo Governance on Value-for-Money, Strengthens Procurement.

The Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has intensified reforms in public procurement, placing transparency, accountability, and value-for-money at the heart of governance.

At the centre of these reforms is the Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Deborah Okunbo. The agency has been repositioned as the fulcrum of good governance, ensuring that every naira spent by the state reflects the interest of Edo people.

Anchored on the Edo State Public Procurement Law, the reforms mandate full disclosure of procurement records and enforce strict oversight across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Procurement officers and evaluators are now required to sign a Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Disclosure before participating in bid evaluations, with those holding vested interests compelled to recuse themselves. This measure is curbing collusion, bid-rigging, contract inflation, and other fraudulent practices.

The Okpebholo administration has also embraced digitalisation and e-procurement. Contractor registration certificates are now automated and issued electronically, while an online portal with real-time payment options is being prepared for launch. A comprehensive electronic bidding and evaluation platform is also in development to integrate all MDAs, ensuring efficiency, openness, and equitable access—particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

To broaden participation, contracts are being packaged into smaller lots, opening opportunities for SMEs while retaining competitiveness for credible national and international firms. Contracts are now awarded strictly to the lowest responsive and qualified bidder, with bids subjected to market-rate checks, quality reviews, and timeliness assessments.

In addition, project execution is being monitored through contract milestones, validated with citizen feedback to ensure delivery meets public expectations.

The EDPPA is also strengthening human capacity with fortnight training sessions for its staff, alongside workshops and lectures delivered through the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA). These sessions target procurement officers, civil servants, political appointees, local government officials, civil society, and the general public.

Looking ahead, Governor Okpebholo has pledged to deepen reforms through open contracting standards, artificial intelligence for fraud detection, stronger citizen oversight, and sustainability benchmarks aligned with global best practices.

“Our goal is to make Edo a national benchmark for procurement excellence, where corruption has no hiding place and governance delivers maximum benefits to citizens,” the Governor said