The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has formally requested the state House of Assembly to amend the existing procurement legislation. The proposed amendment would grant him the authority to bypass the standard competitive bidding process for contracts exceeding one billion naira.
Details of the Request
Governor Eno's request was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Udeme Otong. The letter, dated [date if available], argues that the current procurement law imposes unnecessary delays and bureaucratic hurdles that hinder the timely execution of critical infrastructure projects.
The governor specifically seeks to amend Section 16 of the Akwa Ibom State Public Procurement Law, 2020. This section currently mandates that all contracts above a certain threshold must undergo open competitive bidding. The proposed amendment would allow the governor to award contracts without such bidding under certain conditions, which he deems to be in the public interest.
Justification for the Amendment
In his communication, Governor Eno emphasized that the amendment is not intended to undermine transparency but rather to enhance efficiency. He cited instances where emergency projects and those of strategic importance have been delayed due to the lengthy procurement process. The governor assured lawmakers that any contracts awarded under the new provision would still be subject to oversight and audit.
He further argued that the current law does not adequately distinguish between routine contracts and those that require urgent intervention. The amendment, he said, would provide the necessary flexibility to respond swiftly to developmental needs without compromising accountability.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The request has generated mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Some civil society organizations and opposition figures have expressed concern that the amendment could open the door for corruption and favoritism. They argue that bypassing competitive bidding reduces transparency and increases the risk of inflated contract sums.
On the other hand, some members of the ruling party and business community support the move, citing the need for faster project delivery. They point out that similar provisions exist in other states and at the federal level, allowing for direct procurement in special circumstances.
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has referred the matter to its committee on procurement for further deliberation. The committee is expected to hold public hearings and consult with relevant stakeholders before making a recommendation to the full house.
Background
Governor Umo Eno assumed office in May 2023 and has since prioritized infrastructure development as a key pillar of his administration. The request to amend the procurement law aligns with his goal to accelerate the implementation of capital projects across the state.
The existing procurement law was enacted in 2020 under the previous administration to promote transparency and competition in public contracting. Any amendment would require the approval of a majority of lawmakers in the state assembly.
