Umahi, BPP collaborate to remove bottlenecks, enhance project delivery

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, have initiated discussions aimed at eliminating administrative bottlenecks to expedite project delivery, particularly in road infrastructure.

The meeting, held yesterday at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, focused on streamlining procurement processes to achieve timely and efficient implementation of road projects.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi emphasized the need for a seamless procurement framework to drive innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the government’s road infrastructure agenda. He called for deliberate efforts to address bureaucratic hurdles in project evaluation to meet citizens’ expectations for improved road networks.

“We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to fast-track the delivery of road infrastructure projects inherited and initiated by the Renewed Hope administration,” Umahi stated. “When we assumed office, we introduced best practices and innovations to provide Nigerians with durable road infrastructure fit for purpose. Collaboration is essential to end unnecessary delays in procurement processes.”

Umahi further highlighted the importance of various procurement methods—such as restrictive, selective, and competitive bidding—to ensure value for money and effective service delivery.

Dr. Adedokun, the BPP Director-General, lauded the initiatives introduced by the Federal Ministry of Works under Umahi’s leadership. He assured the minister of BPP’s commitment to supporting the Ministry’s objectives in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“The interesting thing about you is your dedication and passion for delivering results,” Adedokun said. “We are here to address challenges on both sides and ensure smooth collaboration to achieve our shared goals. Nigerians closely monitor the Ministry of Works, making it a critical agency in fulfilling Mr. President’s mandate on infrastructure.”

The DG emphasized the importance of delivering sustainable, high-quality roads that can stand the test of time. “We must return to the days when roads constructed 25 years ago remained intact,” he said, pledging BPP’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry to achieve transparency and value for money in all projects.

The meeting was attended by directors from both the Ministry and the Bureau, including Engr. Bede U. Obioha, Director of Highways Bridge and Design; Engr. Musa Saidu, Acting Director of Highways Road Design; Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation; Nasir M. Bellow; Isaiah G. Yesufu; and Janet McDickson, Directors of BPP.

Both parties resolved to strengthen their collaboration to overcome procurement challenges and accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure projects for the benefit of Nigerians.