Chairman of the Delta State Public Procurement Council, AIG David Igbodo (Rtd), has emphasised strict compliance with procurement laws as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) prepare for the implementation of the 2025 state budget.
Igbodo made this known during a recent interactive session organised by the State Public Procurement Commission at the Prof Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba.
While delivering his welcome address, the retired police chief noted that the forum was convened to promote accountability and ensure alignment with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He described the meeting as “timely and necessary,” emphasising that “the successful implementation of the 2025 budget is a shared responsibility,” and that MDAs must take the lead in ensuring that public funds are used judiciously.
According to him, “Every naira spent must be justifiable, and every project executed must reflect value for money.”
He acknowledged the presence of the newly appointed Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, who delivered the keynote address and declared the session open.
Igbodo said her presence at the forum “marks one of her very first major public engagements since her appointment” and signals a strong commitment to good governance.
However, Igbodo did not mince words about the consequences of procurement violations.
He reminded participants that the State Public Procurement Law provides clear penalties for misconduct.
“These include administrative sanctions, fines, and in very serious cases, imprisonment,” he warned.
“While our preference is always for engagement and collaboration. the Commission will not hesitate to invoke relevant provisions of the law where willful misconduct, gross negligence, or deliberate abuse of process is detected, ”Igbodo said.
He emphasised that the Commission’s goal is not to intimidate but to “guide, support, and strengthen the system so that we can deliver better services to our people.”
The session, which drew accounting officers from across MDAs, featured goodwill messages from Council members and technical briefings on procurement procedures, offences, and the responsibilities of Accounting Officers under the Delta State Procurement Law 2020.
The second session allowed for robust interactive discussions aimed at clarifying grey areas and improving procurement practices across the board.
The event ended with a vote of thanks by the Director-General of the Commission and a final pledge by all present to uphold the integrity and efficiency of Delta State’s procurement ecosystem.
