In a sweeping reform that’s redefining governance in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo is turning the spotlight on how public funds are spent with a sharp focus on transparency, accountability, and real value-for-money.
The Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), now under the dynamic leadership of Ms. Deborah Okunbo, is driving a revolution in how contracts are awarded, executed, and monitored.
No more hidden deals. No more inflated contracts. The new procurement rules are crystal clear: full transparency, strict oversight, and mandatory conflict-of-interest declarations for all players. Anyone with vested interests is required to step aside a decisive move to end collusion and restore trust.
Digital tools are also shaking up the system. From automated contractor registration to an upcoming online bidding platform, the procurement process is becoming faster, cleaner, and more inclusive.
Importantly, small businesses are gaining ground. By breaking large projects into smaller contract lots, Edo is empowering local entrepreneurs and SMEs to participate while still attracting top-tier national and international contractors.
“Every kobo must count,” says Okunbo. “We’re measuring success not by how much we spend, but by what citizens actually get in return.”
That’s why contracts are now awarded to the most responsive and qualified bidder not the highest bidder after passing rigorous market-rate checks, performance benchmarks, and public feedback.
The state isn’t just reforming; it’s building a new culture. With ongoing training through the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy, procurement officers are sharing their expertise with everyone from civil servants to community leaders.
Next on the agenda? Open contracting standards, fraud detection using AI, stronger citizen involvement, and sustainability indicators all part of a roadmap to make Edo State a national beacon of procurement excellence.
Governor Okpebholo is on a mission to ensure governance delivers real impact and in Edo, wasteful spending is no longer welcome
