CHHELD attends Partnership for Amplified Voices (PAV) Workshop

On April 26th, 27th, and 28th 2023, the Partnership for Amplified Voices (PAV) organized an event at the Reiz Continental Hotel in Abuja. The first day was focused on engaging Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to increase awareness on challenges and reforms in the energy sector, while the second day aimed to provide a better understanding of government policies, practices, and approaches related to procurement in Nigeria, as well as exposing participants to the World Bank procurement process. On Day Three (Friday, 28th April 2023), the event focused on reflecting on the activities of PAV and developing forward-looking strategies.

 

The event was aimed at providing CSOs with the necessary knowledge to engage effectively with the sector’s stakeholders on energy issues and procurement policies, respectively. The speakers at the events were distinguished individuals who delivered insightful and thought-provoking speeches, drawing from their wealth of experience and expertise in the energy sector and procurement. Attendees were excited about the opportunity to engage with the speakers and fellow attendees and expressed their commitment to work together to address the challenges in the energy sector and procurement. The events were facilitated by PAV, with support from BudgIT and CODE, and aimed to foster better relationships and bridge gaps between CSOs and MDAs on procurement and allow participants reflect on the activities of PAV and develop strategies for future engagements.

Mr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) facilitating a session (Photocredit: @WaterWideNg)

Top of FormDay One (Wednesday, 26th April 2023)

Discussion Theme: Engaging CSOs on Energy Sector Challenges and Reforms

The Partnership for Amplified Voices (PAV) organized an event on April 26th, 2023, at the Reiz Continental Hotel in Abuja, with the objective of engaging Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to increase awareness on challenges and reforms in the energy sector. The event was aimed at providing CSOs with the necessary knowledge to engage effectively with the sector’s stakeholders on energy issues.

The commencement of the event was initiated by the registration process, which had a scheduled starting time of 9:30 am, and was effectively facilitated by the proficient PAV. The event officially commenced at 10:00 am, with a grand introduction of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), that was infused with excitement and enthusiasm. The keynote speakers, who were poised to stir the minds and hearts of the attendees, took to the stage and delivered opening remarks that were well-crafted and insightful.

Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, the distinguished Country Director for Nigeria, was the first speaker to grace the stage. He delivered an impassioned and stirring seven-minute opening remark that left the audience in awe. His words were insightful, enlightening, and spoke to the very heart of the theme of the event.

The second speaker, Ms. Yadviga Semikolenova, the Infrastructure Program Leader for Nigeria, was introduced next. She spoke with great eloquence and her speech was peppered with facts and statistics that were relevant to the discussion. Her five-minute speech was received with rapt attention, and it was clear that her contributions would set the tone for the discussions to come.

The final speaker of the opening ceremony was none other than Hamzat Lawal, the highly respected Executive Director for Connected Development (CODE). His words were carefully chosen, and his delivery was powerful. His speech resonated with the audience and drew a standing ovation at the end of his five-minute address. It was clear from the speeches of the keynote speakers that the event was off to a great start, and that the discussions would be inspiring and impactful.

The main session of the event was an intriguing and stimulating discourse that brought together the brightest minds and voices in the energy sector. The focus was on the daunting challenges facing the energy sector, the critical policy reforms needed to address these challenges, and the imperative need to build the necessary infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth and development.

The panel of distinguished speakers, who were experts in their fields, provided valuable insights and perspectives on how Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) can play a crucial role in engaging consumers’ awareness on critical energy sector issues such as theft, payment, billing, metering, and more. The discussion centered on how CSOs can engage with various stakeholders, including DISCOs, NERC, and other relevant bodies during public consultations, to hold them accountable to targets, and to understand the Performance Implementation Plans (PIPs) and their targets.

The speakers for this session were Yadviga Semikolenova, the Infrastructure Program Leader for Nigeria, Arsh Singh, the Power Sector Specialist at the World Bank, Daniel, and Bunu. Each speaker provided unique insights and perspectives, drawing from their wealth of experience and expertise in the energy sector. Their contributions were stimulating and insightful, and their messages were clear – that a collaborative effort was needed to address the challenges facing the energy sector and to ensure sustainable growth and development.

The speakers highlighted the challenges faced by the energy sector in Nigeria and discussed how CSOs can play a vital role in addressing these challenges. The speakers emphasized the need for increased accountability in the sector to ensure that DISCOs meet their targets. The session ended with a question-and-answer segment, where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarifications from the speakers.

 

In summary, the first day was a success, as it provided CSOs with the necessary knowledge to engage effectively with the energy sector stakeholders on issues affecting the sector. The attendees were excited about the opportunity to engage with the speakers and fellow attendees and expressed their commitment to work together to address the challenges in the energy sector. The event ended at 1:00 pm.

Mr. Arsh Singh, the Power Sector Specialist at the World Bank giving his keynote speech (Photocredit: @WaterWideNg)

Day Two (Thursday, 27th April 2023)

Discussion Theme: Deep Dive into Procurement Policy and Practices in Nigeria and World Bank

The second day of the event, “Deep Dive into Procurement Policy and Practices in Nigeria and World Bank,” was held on April 27th, 2023, at Reiz Continental Hotel in Abuja. The event was aimed at providing a better understanding of government policies, practices, and approaches related to procurement in Nigeria, as well as exposing participants to the World Bank procurement process. The event was facilitated by PAV, with support from BudgIT and CODE.

The objectives of the Day-2 event were to help strengthen the effectiveness of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) engagement on procurement (including e-procurement) in Nigeria, foster better relationships and bridge the gaps between CSOs and MDAs on procurement, and establish a platform for capacity strengthening series for CSOs with support from BPP.

The day two of the event commenced with registration from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, facilitated by PAV.

After registration, participants were welcomed into the main event hall, where introductions, icebreakers, and opening remarks were made. BudgIT and CODE representatives welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the event’s objectives. The icebreaker activity helped participants to interact and get to know each other better, creating a relaxed and conducive atmosphere for learning.

The opening remarks provided participants with an overview of the event and what to expect from the day’s discussions. It also highlighted the importance of procurement policies and practices in Nigeria and the World Bank and emphasized the need for CSOs to engage more effectively with relevant stakeholders.

The first session of the event, facilitated by Adebowale Adedokun, Director BPP, provided an in-depth understanding of public procurement in Nigeria. Mr. Adedokun began by explaining the roles of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and its mandate to regulate, monitor and oversee the implementation of public procurement in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of adherence to procurement guidelines and standards in achieving transparency, accountability, and value for money in public procurement.

The procurement cycle was explained in detail, covering the various stages involved in the procurement process, including the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation phases. The roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, such as the government agencies, CSOs, and media, were also highlighted. The participants were actively engaged in the session, asking insightful questions and seeking clarifications on various aspects of public procurement. Mr. Adedokun responded to the questions comprehensively and provided valuable insights into the procurement process in Nigeria.

The session ended with a 15-minute Q&A session, where participants were given the opportunity to ask further questions and share their experiences with public procurement. The feedback from participants indicated that the session was informative and helped to demystify some of the complexities surrounding public procurement in Nigeria.

The second session of the event, which focused on the Nigeria E-procurement platform, was facilitated by Aliyu E Aliyu, Director BPP. Mr. Aliyu provided an overview of the policy and practice cycle and systems of the E-procurement platform, emphasizing the importance of embracing technology in procurement processes.

He explained how the E-procurement platform was designed to enhance the transparency and efficiency of procurement processes, reduce corruption, and increase the speed of procurement transactions. He also provided insights on how the platform could be accessed, its functionalities, and its benefits to stakeholders. The Q&A session that followed provided attendees with the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarifications on any issues they had about the e-procurement platform. Aliyu addressed each of the questions, providing detailed responses that gave attendees a better understanding of the system.

The third session at the event was focused on the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) program. The session was facilitated by Adebowale Adedokun, Director of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), who is an expert in sustainable procurement practices.

During the session, Adedokun provided an overview of the SPESSE program, highlighting its objectives and key features. He emphasized the importance of sustainable procurement practices in promoting environmental and social sustainability in public procurement, and how the SPESSE program is designed to achieve this. Adedokun explained how the SPESSE program is structured, and the steps involved in its implementation. He also highlighted the benefits of the program, including reduced environmental impact, improved social outcomes, and increased value for money.

The session concluded with a 15-minute Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on any issues related to the SPESSE program. Adedokun addressed each of the questions, providing detailed responses that gave attendees a better understanding of the program and how it can be implemented in their respective organizations.

The fourth session at the event focused on the procurement processes within the World Bank. The session was facilitated by Akinkunmi Onimole, a procurement specialist at the World Bank who is an expert in procurement policies and practices. During the session, Onimole provided a comprehensive overview of the procurement processes within the World Bank, including the policies and procedures that govern them. He highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in procurement processes and how the World Bank ensures these principles are upheld in its procurement practices.

Onimole also discussed the different procurement methods used by the World Bank, including competitive bidding, requests for proposals, and sole source procurement. He explained the advantages and disadvantages of each method and when they are most appropriate to use. In addition, Onimole discussed the World Bank’s commitment to sustainable procurement practices and how it incorporates environmental and social factors into its procurement processes. He also shared information on how the World Bank evaluates bidders and the criteria used to select the best bidder for a particular project. The session concluded with a 15-minute Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on any issues related to the procurement processes within the World Bank. Onimole addressed each of the questions, providing detailed responses that gave attendees a better understanding of the World Bank’s procurement practices.

The event concluded with a crucial session that aimed to identify actionable steps to improve procurement practices in Nigeria and strengthen civil society organizations’ (CSOs) engagement on procurement. This session was particularly important as it provided an opportunity for attendees to reflect on the insights gained from the various sessions and think critically about how to apply them in practice.

The attendees identified various aspects where procurement can be improved, including transparency, accountability, sustainability, and engagement with CSOs. Some of the actionable items identified included the need for improved monitoring and evaluation of procurement processes, increased transparency and accountability in procurement practices, and the need to strengthen the capacity of CSOs to engage in procurement processes effectively.

The session was interactive and provided attendees with the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with one another.

In conclusion, the second day event was successful in achieving its objectives of providing a better understanding of government policies, practices, and approaches related to procurement in Nigeria and exposing participants to the World Bank procurement process. It also provided an opportunity for CSOs to engage with BPP and World Bank representatives and establish a platform for capacity strengthening series for CSOs. The event was well-attended and received positive feedback from participants.

 

 

Group photograph of attendees

Day Three (Friday, 28th April 2023)

Discussion Theme: Reflection on Activities of PAV and Forward-Looking Strategies

Day-3 of the event was focused on reflecting on the activities of PAV and developing strategies for future engagements. The event was organized by BudgIT and CODE with the aim of proffering suggestions on achieving the original objectives of PAV and understanding the challenges that may arise during engagement.

The event commenced with registration, which was facilitated by PAV. Introductions, an ice breaker, and opening remarks were made by BudgIT and CODE from 10:00 am to 10:15 am.

The registration process was smooth and efficient, with participants signing their names upon arrival. The ice breaker activity was particularly engaging, as it provided an opportunity for participants to get to know each other and establish rapport.

BudgIT and CODE then gave the opening remarks, which set the tone for the event. They highlighted the importance of the day three event and its objectives and emphasized the need for collaboration and collective action to achieve the goals of PAV. Their remarks were well-received and provided a good foundation for the rest of the event.

The session on the journey of PAV provided an insightful overview of the activities of PAV from its inception to date. The facilitators, BudgIT and CODE, highlighted the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned during PAV’s operations. They also shared the impact of PAV’s activities on the communities it serves, which helped to reinforce the importance of PAV’s work.

The presentation on PAV’s external communication framework was facilitated by Maryam Amba, who provided a comprehensive overview of the framework. She highlighted the objectives, strategies, and channels used by PAV to communicate with its stakeholders, including the government, media, and the public.

Maryam also discussed the sustainability of PAV’s external communication framework, outlining measures that have been put in place to ensure its effectiveness and longevity. The presentation was highly informative and provided valuable insights into the importance of effective communication in achieving the objectives of PAV.

The deep dive sessions were particularly engaging and provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on the topics discussed during the event. The sessions were structured around the three topics of electricity/energy sector in Nigeria, procurement in Nigeria, and the upcoming general census. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences, ideas, and suggestions on the way forward. The discussions were lively and robust, with participants sharing their views on how best to engage with the electricity/energy sector, procurement, and the upcoming general census. There was a consensus on the need for collaboration and advocacy in these sectors, and participants shared various strategies and approaches that could be adopted to achieve this. At the end of the deep dive session, participants were given an opportunity to share their key takeaways and action points.

After the deep dive sessions, participants were asked to identify what they will do as an organization or as a coalition to engage effectively in the identified areas of the electricity/energy sector, procurement, and the upcoming general census.

The discussions were engaging and insightful, with participants proffering various suggestions on how to engage effectively in these areas. Some of the suggestions made include:

·         For the electricity/energy sector, participants suggested the need for collaboration and advocacy to promote transparency and accountability in the sector. They recommended engagement with relevant government agencies and civil society organizations to ensure that policies and regulations are in place to promote access to affordable and sustainable energy for all.

  • Regarding procurement, participants emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in procurement processes. They recommended the use of technology and data-driven approaches to promote transparency, reduce corruption, and ensure value for money. Participants also called for the involvement of civil society organizations and other stakeholders in monitoring and evaluation of procurement processes.
  • For the upcoming general census, participants emphasized the need for sensitization and awareness campaigns to ensure that everyone is counted. They recommended the use of traditional and new media platforms to reach a wide audience and the involvement of community leaders and other stakeholders in sensitization and mobilization efforts.

The discussions were highly productive, and participants agreed on various action steps to be taken to engage effectively in these areas.

 

In conclusion, the third day was a success and a wrap up, as participants were able to reflect on the activities of PAV and develop strategies for future engagements. The event provided a platform for participants to share their experiences and proffer solutions to the challenges encountered during engagement.

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