OGUN MOVES TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES INHIBITING SMEs FROM CONTRACT BIDDING

In its determination to promote economic inclusiveness, Ogun State government has commenced training of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to address challenges inhibiting small businesses when bidding for Government procurements and contracts.

Speaking during the webinar training organised by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in collaboration with the State's Ministry of Budget and Planning, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe said the training of SMEs on "Guidelines to increase their participation in Public Procurements or contracts awarded by the State government" would acquaint participants on the modus operandi of bidding for government contracts and thereby enhance their chances of winning such contracts.

Longe said contrary to the wrong perception among different small businesses that government contracts, could only be won by large companies especially those with strong connections, small businesses could win contracts from the government if necessary guidelines are followed, assuring that the training would enlighten SMEs and address the challenges hindering their ability to effectively bid and win government contracts.

“These guidelines seek to address the challenges inhibiting SMEs’ ability to take advantage of Government procurements/contracts, by providing solutions accordingly, which will help guide SMEs to avoid common errors being made in bidding,” she said.

The Commissioner called on various Business Membership Organisations (BMOs) to synergise with the present administration, by organising more workshops to educate their members on all aspects of the Ogun State Public Procurement Act, 2020.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan said the present administration remained focused on ensuring contracts were awarded based on global best practices, assuring that successfully bidding for contracts, was not based on party membership or any form of government patronage.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola called on SMEs to make good use of the opportunity by learning and applying strategies which would improve their chances of winning government contracts.

The Resource Persons, Engr. Tomi Onafowokan and Engr. Kehinde Akintomide who spoke on ‘Ogun State Public Procurement Law/Guidelines’ and ‘Guidelines to increase SMEs participation in Public Procurements and Contracts awarded by Ogun State Government’ respectively, described the policy of the present administration as that which promotes ‘inclusiveness and fairness to all’, calling on SMEs to brace-up with the 21st century challenges and boost their chances by bidding as joint ventures.

Messrs. Timothy Owoeye and Ariyo Olukayode on behalf of other participants, lauded the State government for introducing a fair process in the award of public procurements and contracts, appealing to government to carry along various BMOs to enable more SMEs benefit from the policy.

 

Wale Osunbiyi & Ismail Oladipo,

Press Officers, Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment.