The evaluation of bids for the construction and physical improvement of three agro-logistics centers under the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (AKS-RAAMP) has commenced. This follows the bid closing and opening exercise recently organized at the project office in Uyo, the state capital.
Agro-logistics centers refer to market hubs that will be upgraded to ultra-modern standards at various locations across the state, notably in rural communities, to empower and enhance the livelihoods of the people.
The bid closing exercise was performed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Offiong Offor, at noon on Friday, June 21, 2024, represented by the State Project Coordinator of RAAMP, Pastor Gideon Akpan.
Dr. Offor described the bidders as invaluable partners in the ARISE agenda and its determined pursuit of developing the state. She assured all participants of fairness and transparency throughout the evaluation process. She also thanked Governor Umo Eno for his passion for RAAMP and expressed satisfaction with the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) for their diligence and dexterity in moving the project forward.
The commissioner hailed the progress of work on the 11-kilometer Owotuta – Nung Oku Ekwere – Afaha Udo Eyop – Edeobom – Utuat market junction demonstration rural road, which had reached 70 percent completion. She noted that other interventions, including spot improvement and backlog maintenance, were also advancing accordingly, describing RAAMP as a prime complement to the current administration’s development drive across the state.
In his remarks, the procurement specialist, Mr. Etim Effiong, recalled that the bid closing exercise had initially been slated for May 17, following an advertisement on April 22, 2024, requesting prospective bidders to submit their Expression of Interest (REOI). The date was readjusted for obvious reasons, and the amendment was communicated directly to all bidders, in addition to an advertorial in three newspaper publications on May 15. The bids were divided into three lots.
He enumerated some guidelines to regulate the bid opening exercise, pointing out that late arrival of bids would not be attended to but returned to their owners in line with standard procedures prescribed by the World Bank. His words: “The evaluation process will be fair to all participants, and we are going to adhere strictly to the World Bank standards.”
Highlights of the exercise indicated that 32 companies bought the bids, while 22 completed and returned them. Some companies bid for more than one lot, culminating in a total submission of 29 bids for the evaluation exercise. The bid submitted by Standard Practice Company was returned due to late arrival.
Responding on behalf of other bidders, Messrs. Godwin Joe of Gibeon Properties and Assets Management Ltd. and Sunday Joe of Akustan Engineering Ltd. described the process as transparent and satisfactory, commending AKS-RAAMP for a job well done and hoping that the spirit would be sustained throughout the evaluation process.
