Kaduna State has become the first subnational entity to implement the Gender Responsive Public Procurement Policy, which was developed in partnership with UN Women and other stakeholders.
Malam Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, said in a statement on Wednesday that the policy was accepted at the State Executive Council meeting on Tuesday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House’s Council Chambers.
According to the statement, the policy is in tandem with the Governor’s economic empowerment program as it “aims to ensure inclusive economic growth by increasing the participation of women-owned and women-led businesses in public procurement.’’
“The Gender Responsive Public Procurement seeks to bridge the gender gap by enabling equitable economic participation of women-owned and women-led cooperatives.
“The policy mandates the inclusion of women in procurement committees, and at least a woman should be included at the Directorate level in all procurement committees,’’ the statement added.
The Chief Press Secretary also stated that the policy also gives women different waivers, adding that it grants complete waiver of registration fees for businesses that are 100% women-owned.’’
‘’The policy also provides for a 50% reduction in tender fees for enterprises that are 100% women-owned,’’ the statement also clarified.
The meeting directed all Kaduna State ministries, departments, and agencies to adopt the policy in their procurement process to ensure equitable access and increased opportunities for women-owned businesses.
Additionally, the Kaduna State Executive Council approved the formation of five Sector Strategic Teams to improve coordination and synergy among government ministries, departments, and agencies.
‘’The teams are expected to achieve a more effective governance and delivery of programs and projects, in line with Governor Uba Sani’s seven-point agenda. They would be headed by senior government officials.
‘’The teams include the Rural Transformation and Urban Development Sector Strategic Team, Human Capital Development and Social Investment Sector Strategic Team, Governance and Institutions Sector Strategic Team, Economic Development and Monitoring Sector Strategic Team, as well as the Peace, Security, and Public Safety Strategic Team,’’ he added.
According to the Chief Press Secretary of Kaduna State, each team will meet once a week, with the chair reporting to the governor on meeting resolutions.
