By Sa’adatu Mohammed Jumai.
The proposed Zariagi International Airport is poised to accelerate socio-economic growth and foster substantial development in Kogi State. Honorable Commissioner for Transportation, Honorable Atuluku Victor Levi, provided this assurance during the opening ceremony of the technical proposal for the Consultancy Services for the establishment of the Kogi State International Airport at the Ministry of Transportation.
Honorable Atuluku emphasized the commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododos’ administration to fulfilling promises by ensuring the successful completion of the project. He highlighted the importance of the airport’s establishment in driving socio-economic growth and sustainable development, citing the creation of job opportunities, the emergence of new businesses, and enhanced security as key benefits that will lead to unprecedented growth.
Honorable Atuluku commended the tender board committee for their competence, diligence, and expertise in selecting the most qualified consultancy services providers for the project. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Akor Gabriel Oma, echoed the sentiment that the event signifies a crucial milestone in the collective vision to enhance Kogi State’s infrastructure and economic development.
Mr. Akor emphasized that the decision to embark on this ambitious project is driven by the urgent need to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, and attract investment opportunities within and beyond the state. He assured that the procurement process is being conducted with the utmost transparency, fairness, and adherence to best practices in public procurement to ensure that only technically competent firms proceed to the next phase of the bidding process.
The establishment of the Zariagi International Airport is poised to be a game-changer for Kogi State, ushering in a new era of growth, development, and prosperity for the entire North Central region.
In his speech, the Perm Sec Min of Transportation Mr Akor Gabriel Oma affirmed that the event marks a critical milestone in our collective vision to enhance the infrastructure and economic development of Kogi State.
He reaffirmed that the decision to embark on the ambitious project is driven by the urgent need to boost connectivity, facilitate trade and promote investment opportunities within and beyond the state.
Mr Akor avouched that the procurement process is being conducted with the highest level of transparency fairness and adherence to the best practices in public procurement. Adding that the stage is crucial to ensure only technically competent firms proceed to the next phase of the bidding process.
He urged all stakeholders to remain committed to upholding integrity and professionalism throughout this process, assuring all participants of a level playing field and a procurement process that aligns with both National and International best practices.
Similarly, he expressed profound gratitude to Gov Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support and commitment to infrastructural development.
In his detailed analysis; overview of procurement process and objectives, the Procurement Officer Bureau of Public Procurement Mr Friday Ameh stated the applaudable project marks a significant step towards realizing the vision of our standard int’l airport that will enhance connectivity, promote economic development,boost regional trade and tourism.
He further stated that government through Ministry of Transportation and other relevant agencies is committed to ensuring a transparent, competitive and efficient procurement processes that will select the best qualified consultancy firm to execute the function.
Speaking further, he said that the procurement process followed int’l best practices to ensure competence, transparency and value for money.
Following the technical proposal opening a detailed technical evaluation will be conducted for the first five bidders to proceed to the financial proposal of the bid opening, adding the most suitable firm will be selected based on merit, competence and value for money.
He appreciated all the firms that participated in bid opening for their interest in the land mark project, adding that the process is a crucial step in developing a world class int’l airport that will contribute significantly to economic growth and Nigeria transportation sector at large. ” We are looking forward to successful transparent and impactful procurement process.” He added.
In their separate remarks, observers and stakeholders expressed delight and satisfaction towards the proficiency and expertise of the tender board committee.
Perm Sec Min of Finance, Mr Sani Haruna commended the state government and Ministry of Transportation for the laudable project. He applauded the tender board committee for complying with the best practices.
Similarly, the representative of civil society organization Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina disclosed that the need for transparency of the procurement process prompted the invitation of a member of civil society organization as a fundamental observer. Speaking further, also expressed satisfaction with the level of expertise displayed, noting that the process followed an apt adherence to binding laws and requirements.
his closing remarks, Director Planning Research and Statistics Mr Amana Ezekiel Ejiga asserted that the essential step in our commitment to transparent,fair and due process for the exercise. He sincerely commended all the bidders for their interest in the laudable project and diligence in submitting their proposal.
He added that the participation of various stakeholders in today’s session underscores our collective dedication to up holding integrity and accountability to the procurement process.
He further commended the team for their diligence and expertise to facilitate hitch free procurement process. He added that their commitment to excellence is highly commendable.
He however urged the critical stakeholders to exercise patient as they proceed with the process for the outcome will be communicated within the stipulated timeframe and excitingly look forward to working with the successful bidders in exciting the project for the benefit of all.
P.R.O
Ministry of Transportation.
