REA Holds Contractors’ Stakeholders Forum on 2024 Capital Appropriation, Reemphasizes Commitment To Standards, Transparency and Fair Competition
Abuja, Nigeria – The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) hosted its Annual Contractors Stakeholders Forum at the Royal Continental Hotel & Apartment, Zone 4, Abuja on 28th August, 2024, focusing on the 2024 Capital Appropriation. The event gathered top management of the REA and key contractors to discuss critical aspects of project implementation and ensure strict adherence to the agency's standards.
As the Agency advances procurement activities for the 2024 Capital Projects across the nation, it urged the project contractors to abide by the Agency’s standards and specifications to sustain the delivery of sustainable energy access projects. The event gathered top management of the REA and key contractors to discuss critical aspects of project implementation and ensure strict adherence to the agency's standards.
The forum, part of the REA’s renewed efforts on broad-based consultation with frontline stakeholders, was inaugurated by the Managing Director/CEO, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, represented by the Executive Director, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, who welcomed participants and emphasized the agency's commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure projects across the country.
In his welcome remarks on behalf of the Managing director/chief Executive of the Agency, the Executive Director Technical, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, while welcoming the contractors to the forum, explained that the forum was targeted at setting a great standard for all contractors to deploy more resilient energy access projects for the 2024 Capital Project of the Agency. Engr.
He added that the Agency’s goal is on due completion of all projects, with no indebtedness to any contractor after project completion. The contractors were equally admonished to cooperate with the agency and work towards the successful implementation of the federal government renew hope agenda.
While referencing the Agency’s 2023 project implementation, Engr. Umar noted that the Stakeholders Forum is happening at a time when the REA, for the first time, organized a press conference intimating the press and public on the status of the 2023 capital projects.
The Agency's Director of Procurement, Dr. Bulus Maiyaki, while speaking at the Forum, assured stakeholders of the REA's sustained commitment to transparency and fairness, urging the bidders to toe the line with the REA's rigorous, fair and competitive procurement process.
Speaking further, he urged them to always take time to study all aspects of bid guidelines, noting that some contractors usually take the rules for granted. He also asked them to properly go through other processes, from awards to completion of the projects, following standards as enumerated by the agency.
He further elaborated on the procedures for executing contracts, emphasizing the importance of reporting to Zonal Coordinators and following all rules and regulations to achieve successful project implementation.
In his presentation, the Director of Projects, Engr. Bolakale kawu, stressed the importance of following the REA's established procedures for project execution. He outlined the necessary steps for contractors to receive award concept offers, sign agreements, and obtain official orders from zonal coordinators. He made it clear that, the Agency would not compromise on standards, urging contractors to ensure all products meet the required quality checks and are fully insured before project commencement.
Among those present were notable figures from REA's executive management, including the Director of Projects, Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu, Director of Finance, Hajiya Sadia Ibrahim, Director of Procurement, Dr. Bulus Maiyaki, Director Promotion Information and Outreach (PIO), represented by Mr. Christain Gekpe, Director of Legal, represented by Barr. Steve, and Director, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), QS Patrick A. Uba. Zonal coordinators from the Northwest, Northeast, North Central, South-South, Southwest, and Southeast regions were also in attendance.
The Director of Legal, who was represented by Barr. Steve, highlighted the agency's strict stance on quality and specification adherence. He warned contractors against the use of substandard equipment and underscored the legal consequences for any default, including the enforcement of a six-month defect liability clause.
On the financial front, the Director of Finance, Hajiya Sadia Ibrahim, detailed the requirements for power of attorney concerning project account charges and the necessary approval processes. She assured contractors that payments would be made promptly, provided that all financial documentation and procedures are followed correctly. Additionally, she discussed the retention policies, including the 2023 guidelines on project fund applications.
Speaking to the contractors, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, QS Patrick A. Uba, introduced evaluable tests under the agency’s intelligence unit, which will be used to ensure that all projects meet the expected specifications and standards. He emphasized that beneficiary communities and end-users would be actively involved in tracking project implementation to maintain high levels of integrity and transparency.
Mr. Chris Gekpe, Deputy Director of Promotion, Information and Outreach (PIO), underscored the importance of positive media engagement to showcase the success of REA projects. He encouraged contractors to comply with all necessary guidelines to ensure that their projects are sustainable and positively represented in the media.
On sustainability of the projects, the contactors were encouraged to sensitize community members on securing the projects from theft and vandalism. He noted that when projects are completed under capital appropriation and retention paid, such projects are usually handed over to community member for protection and management, hence the need for their buy-in.
The forum concluded with advice from zonal coordinators, who reiterated the importance of adhering to REA’s standards across all Zones to ensure the successful execution and sustainability of projects under year 2023 Capital Appropriation.
The event reaffirmed the REA's commitment to transparency, quality, and collaboration with its contractors, ensuring that the goals of the 2024 Capital Appropriation Act are met effectively and efficiently.