By Folasade Adeniran
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has organised a capacity development training for procurement officers from various ministries and agencies of the Federal Government.
Its Director-General, Mamman Ahmadu, while flagging off a three – week Continuous Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme (CPCDTP) in Lagos, said the training was to deepen the capacity of the personnel into the procurement cadre for a well-refined process.
Ahmadu, who spoke at the opening of the programme at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Oshodi, Lagos, said the training was to ensure integrity, transparency, accountability and fairness in the discharge of their duties.
He said that the initiative was in the with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s road map to improve the economy with its Eight Points Agenda , amongst which is the rule of law and fighting corruption.
Represented by the BPP’s Director of ICT/ Database,Aliu Aliu, he said procurement officers have an important role in ensuring Tinubu’s vision of fighting corruption is achived.
This, he also noted would allow the economic to be vibrant by following the standard procurement procedures in their dealings.
Ahmadu enjoined the participants to adhere strictly to the procurement process in their respective organisations.
Such process, he said is a determinant factor for economic development, as government pursues for due process and value for money.
He said: “This is a beginner’s course and does not amount to total professional training. Every officer must undertake continuous mandatory capacity development courses, which would be the basis for professional development.
“This cadre is a professional one similar in nature to any other, and must be treated at such. We expect that procuring entities would consult with the BPP prior to recruitment and promotion of their certified procurement officers”
He advised the participants to eschew unprofessional practices and share their experiences, challenges and successes for the greater benefit of the country.
He warned:“The BPP would not take lightly to complaints on officers found to be involved in underhand practices.
“As the regulator of procurement process in Nigeria, we will provide support to any officer who adheres to the principles of integrity, transparency, accountability and fairness in the discharge of his or her duties.”
The BPP boss lauded the efforts of fellow anti- corruption partners – Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) , Code of Conduct Bureau, the Nigeria Police Force and other regulatory bodies for their continuous support and collaboration in the prevention and fight against procurement fraud.
In his goodwill message, Mr Fatai Idowu, Managing Director, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, advised the participants to ensure all the procurement process in line to the ethics of the profession.
Idowu said that the training had been one of the strategic activities of the bureau to institutionalise the public procurement reform in the country.
He noted that their experience from the capacity building programme would also help to export knowledge to other states in the area of public procurement.
The training would require them to be emotionally intelligent, while performing their roles as procurement officers.
Idowu, therefore, advised them to deepen their engagement strategies with decision makers. NAN
