The recent concerns raised by Prof. Ali Ahmad, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, regarding the marginalization of local contractors in Kwara State’s procurement processes, have sparked renewed discussions on the importance of indigenous empowerment.
As a champion of local content development, Prof. Ahmad, during his tenure as the Speaker of the 8th Kwara State House of Assembly, played a pivotal role in passing the Kwara State Public Procurement Law, 2018, which was designed to promote local participation, economic growth, and fairness in public procurement.
The 2018 Public Procurement Law: A Progressive Legislative MilestoneUnder the leadership of Prof. Ali Ahmad, the 8th Kwara State House of Assembly prioritized laws that enhanced governance, promoted accountability, and protected the interests of Kwarans.
One of its landmark legislations was the Kwara State Public Procurement Law of 2018, which integrated local content provisions to ensure that indigenous contractors, suppliers, and service providers had fair opportunities in government contracts.This law was not just about regulation; it was about empowerment. It sought to:Promote Local Content – Ensuring that qualified local contractors were given priority in state procurement.Enhance Transparency and Efficiency – Making procurement processes fair, open, and devoid of undue favoritism.
Encourage Economic Growth – Strengthening the local economy by reinvesting public funds into indigenous businesses.
Ensure Accountability and Oversight – Creating mechanisms to prevent corruption and inefficiency in contract awards.
Prof. Ali Ahmad: A Speaker Who Led with Vision and CommitmentAs Speaker, Prof. Ali Ahmad distinguished himself as a leader who prioritized the well-being of Kwarans over political interests. His tenure was marked by progressive legislation, inclusiveness, and a commitment to economic empowerment.
He understood that for Kwara to thrive, its people must be actively involved in the state’s development.His leadership in ensuring the passage of the 2018 Procurement Law reflected his unwavering dedication to fairness and economic justice.
The law was meant to serve as a catalyst for job creation, wealth distribution, and the growth of local businesses.Current Challenges and the Need to Uphold the LawDespite the foresight embedded in the 2018 law, recent developments suggest a departure from its principles.
Prof. Ali Ahmad has rightly criticized the current administration’s approach, which has seen local contractors sidelined. This not only undermines the spirit of the law but also hampers economic growth and job creation in Kwara State.
A policy that excludes indigenous contractors in favor of external players is anti-development, anti-people, and anti-indigenous. It contradicts the very essence of the 2018 law, which sought to give Kwarans a stake in their state’s progress.
A Call for Recommitment to Local ContentTo revive the spirit of local content and honor the vision of the 2018 Procurement Law, the current administration must:Reaffirm its commitment to local contractors, ensuring that public procurement benefits Kwarans first.
Enforce transparency in contract awards, making the process open, competitive, and fair.Engage stakeholders, including indigenous contractors, industry experts, and community leaders, in policymaking.
Implement monitoring mechanisms, ensuring strict compliance with the local content provisions of the 2018 law.
The leadership of Prof. Ali Ahmad as Speaker of the 8th Kwara State House of Assembly remains a benchmark for progressive governance and people-centered policies. His unwavering stance on local content is not just about politics—it is about justice, fairness, and economic empowerment.
Kwara State must return to the path of inclusiveness and sustainable development, where its own people are the primary beneficiaries of its wealth and resources. Only then can the vision of Prof. Ali Ahmad and the 8th Assembly be fully realized, ensuring that the state’s prosperity is truly shared among its citizens.
