Kaduna State has become the first subnational government to adopt the Gender-Responsive Public Procurement Policy, formulated in collaboration with UN Women and other stakeholders.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, announced that the policy was adopted at the State Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Tuesday.
The statement noted that the policy aligns with the governor’s economic empowerment programme, 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 Policy 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, ensuring that at least one woman is included at the directorate level in all procurement committees,” the statement added.
The Chief Press Secretary further stated that the policy grants women various waivers, adding that it “provides a complete waiver of registration fees for businesses that are 100% women-owned.”
The policy also includes a 50% reduction in tender fees for enterprises that are 100% women-owned,” the statement further clarified.
The meeting also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Kaduna State to adopt the policy in their procurement processes, as this “would ensure equitable access and increased opportunities for women-owned businesses.”
Malam Ibraheem further stated that the State Executive Council also approved the establishment of five Sector Strategic Teams to enhance coordination and synergy among government MDAs.
“The teams are expected to improve governance and ensure effective delivery of programmes and projects in line with Governor Uba Sani’s seven-point agenda. They will be headed by senior government officials.
“The teams include the Rural Transformation and Urban Development Sector Strategic Team, the Human Capital Development and Social Investment Sector Strategic Team, the Governance and Institutions Sector Strategic Team, the Economic Development and Monitoring Sector Strategic Team, and the Peace, Security, and Public Safety Strategic Team,” he added.
According to the Chief Press Secretary, each team will meet once a week, and the chairperson is expected to brief the governor on the resolutions of their meetings.
