Transparent Leadership: Building Trust Through Openness and Integrity
By Hajara Usman
In response to the tumultuous years marked by corruption and mismanagement, the Federal Government of Nigeria recognised the urgent need for a body to oversee public procurement and contract awards.
This led to the establishment of the Bureau of Public Procurement (Due Process Bureau Office), aimed at upholding the principles of good governance and ensuring that every naira spent by the government adhered to the law and the highest ethical standards.
Though often operating out of the public eye, this office is central to Nigeria’s efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in government spending.
Gombe State is no exception. At the helm of its Due Process Bureau is Mohammed Isa Babayola, a diligent and principled leader. As the Director-General, Babayola, a seasoned financial expert, holds a deep conviction in the power of due process to bring about societal transformation.
He understands that for Gombe State to realise its full potential, the government must operate with integrity, and the state’s resources must be utilised for the benefit of all its citizens, not just a privileged few. Babayola, alongside his team of dedicated civil servants, rigorously scrutinises contracts, tenders, and procurement processes to ensure they align with the strict procurement guidelines.
These guidelines demand transparency, competitive bidding, and fairness—principles that are non-negotiable under Babayola’s leadership. No contract in Gombe State is awarded without passing through the meticulous examination of the Due Process Office.
Despite knowing that his decisions might provoke dissatisfaction among some stakeholders, Babayola remains unwavering in his commitment to uphold due process. His integrity has earned him both admiration and resistance—while some praise his courage, others whose interests are threatened are less supportive.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, however, has taken note of Babayola’s dedication. Impressed by his steadfast commitment to doing what is right, the governor reappointed him for another term.
In public addresses, the Governor has repeatedly affirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring the public that under his leadership, no one is above the law and that Gombe State’s resources will be used for the benefit of all.
Throughout his career, Babayola’s innovation and dedication have been recognised through numerous prestigious awards, including: Mayor of Peace (Peace Advocate) UN-POLAC 2024, Fellow Institute of Corporate Administration 2024, Distinguished GOVTEC Trailblazer’s Award for Advancing Digital Governance, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Presidency, Ambassador of Ethical Leadership and Self-Value Orientation, Centre for Ethics and Self-Value Orientation 2023, Letter of Commendation by H.E. the Governor of Gombe State 2022, the 2022 Integrity ICON Award by Accountability Lab Nigeria 2022, These accolades stand as a statement of Babayola’s exceptional skills, unwavering commitment, and significant impact on the Due Process Bureau in Gombe.
This piece on the leadership of Mohammed Isa Babayola serves as a reminder that, even in the face of considerable challenges, the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness are worth defending. It is these principles that can transform a nation and secure a better future for all its citizens.
