The National Roads Authority (NRA) were on Tuesday 19th March 2024 awarded a certificate of authorisation to carry out procurements without obtaining prior approval of the (GPPA) authority for a consecutive renewal period of two years effective 20th March 2024 to 19th March 2026.

The approval and certification were made after the Authority had completed the capacity assessment provided in section 12(3)(4) of the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA) Act.

The award of the certificate, together with other 26 government institutions, was held at the National Assembly grounds on Tuesday.

The Authority (NRA) was represented at the award ceremony by its Deputy Managing Director, Mr Sulayman Sumareh Janneh, and the institution’s Procurement Officer, Ms Jabou Gaye, respectively.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Ibrahima Sanyang, Director of Procurement Policy, and Operations said the authorisation of 27 institutions including NRA by the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA) marks another significant paradigm shift in their approach to procurement governance.

He added that this initiative underscores their commitment to decentralisation, efficiency, and accountability in public procurement processes.

According to him, this authorisation does not cover single sourcing above the single source threshold, adding that authorisation can be revoked or rescinded if during the period an authorised organisation is found to be either non-complying or, underperforming below regulatory expectations.

He went on to urge all stakeholders to embrace this initiative wholeheartedly and to work collaboratively towards its successful implementation of upholding the highest standards of governance and integrity in public procurement to advance the socio-economic development agenda of the country.