The Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Umar Danbatta, has been honored with the “Excellent Service Delivery and Accountability Award” by the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON).
L-R: Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Chief Ahmed Akasoro, The Ashogbon of Lagos, at the presentation of the Procurement Compliance Excellence Service Award to Danbatta during the 3rd Annual National Conference/Induction Award Ceremony by the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON) held in Lagos recently (Thursday June 8, 2023).
Danbatta’s exceptional performance and commitment to upholding the standards of public procurement in Nigeria, specifically in compliance with the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007, earned him this recognition. The award was presented during the APPON’s 3rd Annual National Conference and Awards Ceremony held in Lagos.
Acknowledging Danbatta’s remarkable leadership, Akparawa Kanico, the National President of APPON, commended his ability to inspire those around him, ensuring effective procurement processes within the Commission. Kanico highlighted that Danbatta’s administrative prowess has resulted in significant growth in the telecommunications sector, driving growth in other areas of the economy as well.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Danbatta regarded the award as a tremendous motivation for him and the Commission to further enhance transparency, openness, and process-driven practices in their procurement activities.
During his speech on “Implementation of e-procurement in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges” at the event, Danbatta emphasized the pivotal role of broadband connectivity, driven by the Commission in collaboration with the Federal Government.
L-R: Emem Kanico, National President, Public Procurement Practice; Amb. Funmilayo Adekojo, Keynote Speaker; Prof Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos and Onafowote Idowu, Director General, Lagos Public Procurement Agency, at the 3rd Annual National Conference/Induction Award Ceremony by the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria where Danbatta received the Procurement Compliance Excellence Service Award in Lagos on Thursday (June 8, 2023).
He stressed that broadband infrastructure would facilitate electronic procurement (e-procurement), ensuring greater accountability and transparency in governance processes across Nigeria.
Danbatta emphasized the importance of e-procurement as the way forward, assuring that the Commission will continue to create an enabling environment for its growth.
He reaffirmed the NCC’s dedicated commitment to achieving nationwide ubiquitous broadband connectivity, which will revolutionize procurement governance and unlock new possibilities for businesses and public institutions.
Furthermore, Danbatta highlighted the significant benefits Nigeria has experienced in its e-procurement sector due to investments in broadband infrastructure. These investments have transformed the way businesses engage in procurement processes, particularly in Government-to-Business (G2B) and other e-government activities.
“With the government prioritizing broadband connectivity as a central pillar of its policies, the Commission will focus on enhancing broadband infrastructure to reshape procurement governance, providing new opportunities for businesses and public institutions,” Danbatta stated.
L-R: Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Chief Ahmed Akasoro, The Ashogbon of Lagos, at the presentation of the Procurement Compliance Excellence Service Award to Danbatta during the 3rd Annual National Conference/Induction Award Ceremony by the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON) held in Lagos recently (Thursday June 8, 2023).
He also mentioned that improved internet connectivity has enabled businesses nationwide to access e-procurement platforms more efficiently, allowing them to submit proposals, monitor tender opportunities in real-time, and participate in online bidding processes.
Additionally, during the event, two members of the NCC staff, Adejoke Atte, the Head of Procurement Department, and Bernard Kwembeh, a Principal Manager in the department, were inducted as APPON Fellows.