KW-PPA Inaugurates Committee to Standardize Building Procurement Rates

In a bid to streamline procurement processes and drive economic growth, the Kwara State Public Procurement Agency (KW-PPA) has inaugurated a committee to review building rates across the State. The committee saddled with the responsibility of reviewing and unifying building rates across government ministries, a move aimed at fostering economic growth and reducing inconsistencies in procurement.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the General Manager of KW-PPA, QS Raheem Abdulbaki, emphasized that adherence to proper procurement procedures is crucial to ensuring impactful governance and sustainable economic development. 

He stressed that standardizing building rates would prevent discrepancies in contracts awarded by different government bodies operating within the same sector and geographical location.

“We cannot continue approving different rates for different MDAs while working in the same space. Standardizing these rates will ensure fairness, improve efficiency, and provide a structured system that benefits contractors and the economy at large,” Abdulbaki stated.

He further explained that many contracts awarded by agencies such as the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development are intentionally designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This aligns with the economic vision of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, which prioritizes local industry growth and job creation.

“Many of the contracts in SUBEB and the education sector are targeted at SMEs to strengthen the local economy. This initiative, driven by His Excellency, ensures that public procurement contributes directly to economic empowerment in Kwara State,” Abdulbaki added.

Recognizing the need to ease the burden on contractors, KW-PPA deemed it necessary to set up the "Building Rates Review Committee," tasked with ensuring that construction firms no longer face challenges due to inconsistent pricing structures. 

According to Abdulbaki, this is the first time in Kwara State’s history that such a committee has been established, and he expressed confidence that its work would set a strong precedent for future procurement practices.

The newly inaugurated five-member committee has been given four weeks to review building rates comprehensively and submit a report, which will be periodically evaluated.

The committee Chairperson, QS Afolabi Tina, expressed gratitude to the State government for entrusting them with the responsibility. She assured that the committee would operate with equity, transparency, and integrity to establish a fair and efficient system.

“We understand the significance of this assignment, and we are committed to carrying it out with diligence, ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from a transparent and standardized procurement system,” Afolabi stated.

The committee members, drawn from key government agencies, includes; QS Afolabi Tina, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Chairperson; QS Elijah Shamsudeen, SUBEB, Member; QS Abdulsalam Solihu, Ministry of Education and Human capital Dept, Member; QS Ajayi Omotolani, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Member; and QS Mohammed Najaat, KW- PPA, Member. Their collective expertise is expected to drive the much-needed reforms in the State’s procurement system, ultimately enhancing efficiency, fairness, and economic impact in Kwara’s building sector.

With the establishment of this committee, Kwara State is taking a proactive approach to ensure cost-effectiveness, transparency, and sustainability in public procurement. The initiative is expected to benefit contractors, boost local businesses and contribute to a more robust economic framework in the State.

Observers anticipate that the committee’s recommendations will bring long-term improvements to procurement policies, setting a model that could be adopted by other states in Nigeria.

Abdulkadir Muinat 

Press secretary 

KW- PPA 

07046059301.