In a continued drive toward institutional strengthening and climate-resilient governance, the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, and Chairman of the State Steering Committee of the ACReSAL Project, Hon. Odoh Ugwu, today, chaired the official bid opening for the procurement and installation of renewable solar energy systems for the State Ministries of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, and that of Agriculture and Food Security.
The bid opening ceremony, held at Conference Hall of the ACReSAL Project Office, marked yet another milestone in the project’s commitment to deepening climate resilience, strengthening public institutions, and aligning governance systems with global sustainability standards.
In his welcome remarks, Hon. Odoh Ugwu commended the ACReSAL Project for its intervention in providing upgraded office facilities for the Ministries under its institutional strengthening component.
According to him, renovations carried out have significantly improved workplace comfort and productivity, reflecting the project’s commitment to building institutions capable of driving transformative environmental and agricultural reforms.
He emphasized that the day’s event was symbolic in boosting operational efficiency, advancing the state’s transition to clean energy and climate-smart governance.
“This event marks another significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance climate resilience, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote sustainable development within our dear state,” he said.
“The ACReSAL Project—implemented with support from the World Bank and Federal Government of Nigeria—remains a strategic intervention in mitigating climate impacts, improving land and water management, and promoting renewable energy across critical sectors,” Ugwu stated.
Hon. Ugwu highlighted that the installation of solar infrastructure in the Ministries will boost operational efficiency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and guarantee a stable and sustainable electricity supply for core government functions.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our broader policy objectives of promoting clean energy, reducing carbon emissions, and advancing environmental sustainability,” he added.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to ethical governance, he assured all bidders of transparency, accountability, fairness, and full compliance with World Bank procurement regulations, stressing that the state remains committed to due process, competitive bidding, and the prudent use of public resources.
The ceremony brought together key institutional stakeholders and private-sector bidders.
Responding separately, Bidders expressed satisfaction with the high level of transparency demonstrated, commending ACReSAL for serving as a model for fair and accountable public procurement in the state. They also encouraged other agencies to emulate the ACReSAL procurement process.
Eight firms participated in the bid, with four bidders contesting for each of the two lots.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Thomas Akaa Nyam, applauded the bidders for their orderly conduct and encouraged them to embrace sportsmanship, noting that procurement outcomes would produce only one successful bidder per lot. He extended his best wishes to all participants and praised the collaborative atmosphere exhibited throughout the process.
The bid opening marks yet another strategic step toward a greener, more resilient, and energy-efficient future for Benue State, one where institutions lead by example in advancing sustainable development and protecting environmental assets for future generations.