The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called on public institutions across Nigeria to prioritize transparency and accountability in projects execution and procurement processes.

Speaking yesterday, the Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, praised the management of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, for its strict compliance with Section 19(b) of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007 during the opening of bids for its 2025 capital projects.

The bid-opening exercise, held at the UUTH Conference Room, saw the unveiling of proposals for various free medical outreach programmes across federal constituencies in Akwa Ibom State, including Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan, Ikono/Ini, and Ikot Ekpene.

Comrade Isong, who observed the process, expressed satisfaction that the exercise was conducted in line with the fundamental principles of the PPA 2007 accountability, fairness, reliability, transparency, ethical standards, and economy.

He noted that CHRAN was formally invited by UUTH through a letter dated August 14, 2025, signed by Ms. Ekandem Antia-Obong on behalf of the Chairman, Tenders Board, to participate as an observer in the bid-opening exercise.

The process was presided over by the Chief Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of UUTH, Prof. U. I. Inyang, who represented the Chief Medical Director, Prof. EmemAbasi Bassey.

Other key officials in attendance included; Dr. Joseph J. Akpan, who is the Director of Administration, Mrs. A. E. Bassey, Director of Finance, Arc. Ute Uwe, HoD Works, Otobong U. Etuk (SLO), Joseph Mattew (PAO), Udoka Idongesit (PAO AGU), Dr. Aniekan Peter (Chairman, NMA Akwa Ibom), and the Director of CHRAN, among others.

CHRAN reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring and promoting transparency in governance and called on other public institutions to emulate the example set by UUTH in its procurement processes.

Dennis Udoma