The Plateau Government on Tuesday organised a training for Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies and Procurement Officers in the state on public procurement principles.

Speaking at the event, Mr Stephen Gadongs, the Head of the Civil Service (HoS) of the state, said that the training was oraganised in collaboration the State's Bureau for Public Procurement.

Gadongs, represented by Mrs Roseline Dakwar, said that the training was supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme.

According to the HoS, the exercise aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the state.

He said that the move also aimed at strengthening the procurement processes across Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state.

"Public procurement is a critical instrument for good governance; it is through transparent, competitive, and accountable procurement process that government delivers quality infrastructure, essential services, and value for public funds.

"Therefore, strengthening the knowledge and skills of our procurement professionals is not merely an administrative exercise, it is an investment in accountability, transparency and sustainable development.

"This government remains committed to promoting due process, integrity, and professionalism in public service. 

"This administration recognises that procurement officers and permanent secretaries play a vital strategic role in ensuring that government resources are utilised efficiently and in full compliance with our procurement law,"he said.

Earlier, Mr Mantim Dala, the Coordinator of ROLAC in Plateau, said that the training would enable perticipants to understand the provisions of the State's Public Procurement Law.

He said that programme is supported by International Idea and funded by the European Union.

Dala said that part of ROLAC's approach aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability systems. 

"So, therein lies the component that deals with the issues on public procurement, fiscal responsibility and prevention of corrupt practices, among others.

"Today we are here to look at something very significant; to ensure that the scarce resources that are available are judiciously applied so that every citizen and society can produce their benefit from it.

"There is no way that governance or any form of democracy can be effective without procurement,"he said.