Akeid Will Simplify Process Of Applying For Govt Contracts, Other Services -AKSG
The Akwa Ibom State Government has disclosed that the Akwa Ibom electronic Identity (AKeID); a new feature on the state procurement portal, will simplify the process of applying for government contracts and other services.
Speaking at a joint press briefing on Thursday, March 13, at the Akpan Isemin Hall, Government House, Uyo, the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Engr. Frank Ekpenyong, disclosed that AKeID is an 11-digit number required to access digital government services, adding that the unique number will now be among the requirements on the procurement portal.
“When you apply for any government service, you will be required to provide your NIN to ensure that the application is unique; you will provide your VIN to proof that you have ties to Akwa Ibom; and you will also provide your account details which much match with your information.
“So, for instance, if you are applying for four government services, you will have to go through the process of providing these information four times. That is why we thought of a way to simplify the process and we came up with AKeID.
“Akwa Ibom electronic Identity password is a non-stop gateway whereby you get an 11-digits unique key and whatever you are applying for, you only have to input your AKeID and your profile is automatically into the application. This way, you don’t have to fill in your details every time,” he said.
According to him, once an individual is verified, they will be assigned a unique 11-digit number, which will serve as a single access key for multiple government platforms, including the procurement portal, employment portal, MSMEs portal, and bursary portal.
“This will eliminate the stress of repeatedly entering personal details like bank information, NIN, and VIN when applying for government services,” he added, noting that the portal can be accessed at identity.akwaibomstate.gov.ng.
Speaking on the procurement portal launched by the state government, Mr Ekpenyong noted that the initiative was a trailblazing effort that will ensure fairness in the bidding process for government contracts.
Taking journalists through a PowerPoint presentation, the Commissioner explained that the new portal, created on the directive of Governor Umo Eno, is designed to eliminate favouritism and backdoor dealings while allowing qualified contractors to apply for projects seamlessly.
“We are here today because we have a governor who believes in transparency. His directive was clear – every contract and procurement bidding must be open to all qualified persons. This portal ensures that only competent contractors with proven capacity are selected for government jobs,” he stated.
Mr Ekpenyong further disclosed that the platform provides contractors and vendors access to numerous projects, including the construction of over 400 houses this year, covering Commissioners’ quarters, Legislative and Judiciary quarters, Medical Village, AKBC headquarters, and Aviation quarters, among others.
He urged interested contractors to visit procurement.akwaibomstate.gov.ng and register, explaining that each applicant will receive an 11-digit unique number after successfully completing the process.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, had highlighted Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to development, recalling the governor’s recent engagements, from town hall meetings and the ARISE Entrepreneurial Support Scheme to the inauguration of a Model Primary School and the Maritime Hub in Oron.
He revealed that it was during the last Delivery Advisory Meeting that Governor Eno directed the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy to create the procurement portal to ensure that contractors and vendors with capacity can bid for jobs without undue interference.
The press briefing was attended by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet; Permanent Secretary, Finance and General Purposes Committee (FGPC); and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, among others.
