The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called for a review of procurement policies to enhance innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the Federal Government?s road infrastructure agenda.

He emphasized that bureaucratic bottlenecks in procurement processes hinder timely and efficient works project delivery, calling for the removal of all bureaucratic constraints to project evaluation by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a meeting with the BPP management, led by its Director General, Adebowale Adedokun, the Minister sought the agency?s partnership to ensure the prompt delivery of road projects.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji on Wednesday, the Minister stressed that the discussion with the BPP was aimed at addressing delays in implementing the administration?s Renewed Hope agenda for road development.

He highlighted the need to streamline public procurement processes for seamless and timely project execution while underscoring the importance of removing bureaucratic constraints in project evaluations to achieve greater prospects in road infrastructure development.

Acknowledging the BPP?s mandate to ensure accountability, consistency in pricing, and value for money, he urged the agency to address delays, describing them as significant barriers to its objectives.

He pointed out that different procurement methods, including restrictive, selective, and competitive bidding measures, are geared towards achieving value for money and effective service delivery to Nigerians.

?We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to enable the Ministry to fast-track delivery of the road infrastructure projects inherited and those initiated by the Renewed Hope administration.

?When we came on board, we insisted on best practices, and we introduced innovations to ensure we give Nigerians enduring road infrastructure that is fit for purpose. We therefore need a collaborative resolve to end unnecessary delays in the procurement processes,? he said.

In his remarks, BPP DG Adedokun commended the Minister for his leadership and initiatives aimed at advancing the road infrastructure agenda under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu.

?The interesting thing about you,? he said, ?is that you don?t fail in your duties. You start and end with results, and your passion for what you do is evident.

?We are glad to partner with you to ensure Mr. President?s objectives for road infrastructure are achieved timely, transparently, and with full accountability.?

While appreciating the Minister?s efforts in convening the meeting to address procurement challenges, the DG noted, ?We are here to understand your challenges, share ours, and work together to achieve a common goal.

?From my experience, the Ministry of Works is critical because Nigerians observe its outcomes daily. If things fail here, public criticism directly targets the President.?

He further emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure value for money, sustainability, and improved quality in road projects. (The Nation)

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