Technology as an Enabler for Open Contracting and my pledge to #Budeshi
At the just concluded East African Procurement Forum #EAPF with the theme ““Leveraging on technology for improved procurement processes”, I was opportuned to be a part of the panel whose discussion was centered around Open Contracting in Africa: Enhancing Disclosure and citizen’s participation in public contracting through technology application. I was excited because this is at the heart of what we do but we do not just do this for the sake of it; it is because we know that the more efficient and accountable a process, the better chances for improved public service delivery.
It was good listening to colleagues from East Africa speak on the great work they are doing on enhancing citizen’s participation and proactive disclosure of contracting information. More personal to me was Uganda, who showcased how the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has aligned its procurement data using the Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS), this was a very #ProudMoment for me as it clearly showed the strength of collective efforts, this feeling of victory made all the turbulent flights from Addis Ababa to Kampala worth it as PPDC played a very key role in making this a reality.
During the #EAPF, whilst we all agreed that technology plays a vital role as an enabler for better procurement outcomes, another very important point that resonated very deeply with me was that, if we only concentrate on technology, we do ourselves no good because, technology is an enabler, not a solution. Therefore, we must begin to look inward and change our mindset and our processes as well.
This might just be our greatest problem here in Nigeria, introducing technology into the mix with the same mindset and process, will get us back right where we started from or even worse, but if we are able to change the mindset of the people who would be overseeing the processes, with the right technology in place .. we are good to go.. and this reminds me of a question that came to the panelists during my panel discussion, bearing in mind the theme of the forum, I thought I was in the room with like minds, until the question, “what do citizens want?” and I thought to myself; do we still have people who believe that citizens are not entitled to information on how their taxes are spent or that citizens do not have a right to hold government accountable?
Oh yes we do!
This validates the point I made earlier about changing the people, process and then introducing technology that will support the people and process.
Well for the umpteenth time, citizens want inclusion! We are crying out loud to be involved, Citizens want access to contracting information, they want to be part of the process. It is very clear that Nobody will give us power, so we have to get involved to see that we get the desired change that is needed. After answering the question, I renewed my resolve to continue to advocate for Citizens participation in governance in a way that promotes the integrity of public and private sector processes.
And that is why I am very proud to be a part of an organization that is using technology to promote proactive disclosure of contracting information, which in turn enhances citizens participation in governance. This we do primarily through our open contracting platform www.budeshi.ng Budeshi was built to show the utility of the OCDS. If Nigeria can do it with the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and Bank Verification Number (BVN), why then can’t we begin to sanitize our procurement process with the OCDS? Afterall the efficiency of the procurement process has a direct effect on the quality of public services citizens have access to. Therefore, it is important for this process to be as open and fair as possible in order to curb corrupt practices.
The resistance out there is real, the resistance to change is a different story altogether, but guess what? It makes the hustle really worth it! Like the popular saying goes, “if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything” I make bold to say, that #IStandWithBudeshi
Dear Budeshi,
As long as I am here, I will ensure you remain valid, efficient and reliable, Because you are the only platform where citizens can make sense of procurement data, and for that reason you can’t fail as 70% of Nigerian youth at least are depending on you to hold their government accountable.
Your Program Director,
Gift Omoidedia
…….Technology enables, it empowers, yes, it is not the solution, but it is indeed a step in the right direction!
