By: Oluwatobi Aroyehun
The Kwara State Public Procurement Agency (KWPPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of local content policies and strengthening of collaborations with The Herald Newspapers to ensure state-wide compliance with procurement regulations.
This was stated on Wednesday by the agency’s General Manager, Alhaji (QS) AbdulRaheem Abdul Baki, during a visit by the management of the Agency to The Herald’s corporate head office in Ilorin.
Alhaji Abdul Baki outlined the agency’s core mandates, which include monitoring public contracts, overseeing the disposal of public assets, and implementing local content policies, adding that while the Agency has made significant progress in enforcing procurement rules since its establishment in 2024, it is now shifting focus towards strengthening local content implementation.
“The local content policy must ensure that available human and material resources, as well as indigenous technology, are prioritized in public contracts,” he stated. He further emphasized the importance of public contract advertisements being published in The Herald, along with national newspapers, as part of the agency’s compliance requirements.
The KWPPA General Manager assured that the Agency is working hard to ensure that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) patronize The Herald in all its areas of competence. “It is clear in their monthly allocation breakdown that newspapers must be procured, yet many MDAs neglect The Herald. This must change,” he added.
On his part, The Herald’s General Manager, Yomi Adeboye, expressed appreciation for KWPPA’s efforts, acknowledging the challenges faced by the newspaper in securing patronage from the MDAs. He affirmed the corporation’s capacity to handle commercial printing contracts, supply of newspapers and to provide professional media services including coverage of public events.
“We have the equipment, expertise, and trained personnel to meet the state’s printing and media demands. Last year, we executed bulk printing jobs for clients including the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service and we continue to deliver quality services on time.
“We are ready to collaborate with the KWPPA and other government agencies to optimize our operations and enhance service delivery,” he added.
As part of the discussions, Adeboye sought KWPPA’s assistance in navigating procurement processes for small contracts, emphasizing the need for training to ensure compliance with procurement regulations. He also called for structured government policies that would guarantee a minimum percentage of printing and media-related expenditures be directed to The Herald.
Alhaji Abdul Baki assured the newspaper of KWPPA’s commitment to ensuring a structured and fair implementation of local content policies that would benefit both the agency and The Herald. The two organizations pledged continued cooperation to enhance transparency, compliance, and support for local businesses within Kwara State.
