The President of the Senate, Sen. Bukola Saraki, has advocated the review of Procurement Law in states, as part of measures to tackle to the nation’s economic downturn.
Saraki made the call at the launch of an empowerment scheme in Offa, Kwara, sponsored by Sen. Rafiu Ibrahim, representing Kwara South Senatorial District.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the occasion also climaxed with Sen. Ibrahim’s 50 years birthday celebration.
Ibrahim also used the opportunity of the empowerment programme to launch his foundation – Rafiu Ibrahim Bilal Foundation (RIB Foundation).
Saraki said there was the need for states to take a cue from the Senate by embarking on the review of the precurement law to draw attention to the patronage of local companies.
He expressed optimism that such amendment would create opportunities for citizens, as government would be forced to prioritise local content in the award of contracts in agencies and parastatals.
The Senate president also canvassed the need to address grey areas in the nation’s constitution to ensure that a high number of small and medium companies benefit from government businesses.
“It is high time we look beyond the objectives of making laws but focus on things that will enhance the social well-being of the people through empowerment.
“As we come to the end of the year and prepare for 2017 budget, we must begin to address how to empower our people and create jobs.
“The initiative at the Senate with amendment to the Procurement Bill, I believe, will create opportunities for a lot of Nigerians,’’ he said.
The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, in a remark, assured that all on-going projects would be completed before the expiration of his tenure.
He also promised that the International Vocational Centre at Ajase-Ipo would commence operation in the first quarter of next year.
Sen. Ibrahim, in his remark, said the scheme was initiated to give back to the electorate and eradicate poverty.
He said that the RIB Foundation initiative in partnership with Saraki Employment and Empowerment Centre was also targeted at the people at the grassroots.
Mr Muritala Awodun, a member of RIB Foundation and Chairman, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, said the Foundation would spend N844 million within the next three years on its programme. (NAN)