Government Agencies in Ogun State have been charged on maintaining accurate and comprehensive records in the procurement process.

The Procurement Reform Specialist of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Engr. Bashiru Olayiwola, stated this while delivering a lecture during a Sensitisation Programme themed “understanding the Roles of top Management in the implementation of Ogun State Public procurement law (Amendment) 2014”, organised for another batch of Heads of User Departments on Procurement Practices in Ogun State Public Service, at the Bureau's Conference Room, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

Olayiwola said that proper file documentation was needed as a cornerstone for an effective procurement process, that would ensure transparency, accountability and compliance in the procurement.

"Accurate and comprehensive documentation is essential for maintaining the integrity of the procurement process and mitigating risks. It is therefore very important for us to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and aligned with it" he said.

In her welcome Address, the Bureau Coordinator, Mrs. Bolarinwa Adebowale, said the programme would enhance their skills and knowledge on the procurement process as well as encourage them to leverage on the opportunities presented to boost competences in procurement activities across their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

In his Presentation, Director, Appeal Management Resolution and Quality Assurance, Mr. Olatunde Kassim, highlighted some of the benefits proper documentation in the procurement process which include; maintaining accurate records, usage of standardised template as well as documents storage with access control and back up for future purposes, so as to promote transparency, audit trail and dispute resolution among others.

          Similarly, Director, Monitoring Evaluation Compliance and Enforcement, Mr. Akindele Akinrinmade, said it was necessary to implement spread wealth strategies in the procurement process of the State, so as to circulate procurement opportunities, contract fairly and equitably among various suppliers and vendors in order to promote fairness, foster competition as well as support local economic development.

Responding, a participant from Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Mrs. Mojisola Osinloye, appreciated the Bureau for organising the training, saying the programme had broadened their knowledge and enhanced their understanding of the procurement process in the State.