By Okeoghene Akubuike
Sen. John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, says restricted data of procurement procedures and documentation necessities has prevented many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from accessing authorities contracts.
Enoh stated this on the unveiling of the MSMEs Public Procurement Training Programme and Digital Learning Portal in Abuja on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reviews that the free on-line coaching portal by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the abilities wanted to take part successfully in public procurement.
The minister stated many companies misplaced contract alternatives, not due to poor services or products, however due to incomplete documentation and insufficient understanding of procurement processes.
According to him, the self-paced portal will present coaching on bid preparation, compliance and technical necessities.
“It will also reduce travel costs and dependence on intermediaries while expanding opportunities for women- and youth-owned businesses and rural entrepreneurs,” he stated.
The minister stated MSMEs accounted for about 96 per cent of companies in Nigeria, 87 per cent of employment and roughly 50 per cent of producing actions.
He confused the necessity to align procurement reforms with efforts to strengthen small companies.
The minister recalled that the Federal Government had offered about N200 billion in intervention funds with roughly N75 billion allotted to MSMEs.
He, nonetheless, stated it took the MSMEs about two years to entry the funds on account of lacking documentation or misunderstood necessities.
Enoh expressed hope that the brand new portal would handle a few of these challenges.
He stated the portal additionally supported the federal government’s coverage of prioritising regionally produced items and providers, which might create jobs, strengthen native industries and retain financial worth throughout the nation.
Enoh urged MSMEs to register on the portal and full the coaching, whereas calling on procuring entities to publicise alternatives, divide contracts into manageable heaps and guarantee immediate cost to contractors.
He reaffirmed his ministry’s dedication to working with the BPP and different companies to develop MSME participation in public procurement, including that the portal’s success would rely on efficient implementation and widespread adoption.
Speaking earlier, Nazaneen Ali, Regional Procurement Practice Manager, West and Central Africa Region, World Bank, stated the portal’s success shouldn’t be measured solely by registrations or numbers educated.
Ali stated a very powerful query was what distinction the coaching was making.
“First, monitor usage: who is registering, who is completing the modules, and whether different groups of businesses are being reached.
“Then look at outcomes: are trained MSMEs submitting more and better bids, winning more contracts, delivering, and growing and creating more jobs over time?”
Also, The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Abel Enitan, counseled the BPP for the platform, saying will probably be helpful for retirees.
Enitan, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Usman Kalba, stated that retirees must key into the initiative as a result of it will unlock potentials past creativeness.
“It will not only improve the life of retirees, it will also boost the Nigerian economy.
“We are excited to see this partnership, and we thank our development partners for helping to bring the middle class back into the economy,” he stated.
Dr Charles Odii, Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), stated public procurement was one of many largest, most dependable avenues for enterprises.
Odii stated despite this, many nano and micro companies nonetheless lacked data on entry necessities and processes.
“This portal is a practical step towards making government a more accessible market, and it aligns with the President’s Nigeria First policy.
“We count 39.65 million small and medium businesses. Imagine each one competing on favourable terms for government contracts,” he stated.
Also, the Special Adviser to the President on MSMEs, Mr Temitola Johnson, stated any serious-minded nation should make deliberate efforts to issue small companies into coverage.
Johnson stated that the federal government had secured a completely non-public sector fund, including that fifty per cent of will probably be devoted to the MSMEs coaching and studying portal.
NAN reviews that the initiative was developed by the BPP with help from the World Bank beneath the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Project (SPESSE).(NAN)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
