The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume CON, has tasked Procurement Officers to ensure compliance to due process in undertaking their services to ensure probity, transparency and accountability for sustainable economy.
The SGF pointed this out while declaring open, a three weeks Capacity Development Training Program taking place at the Festival Hotel in Lagos, Lagos State.
The SGF said, the Mandatory Continuous Public Procurement Capacity Development Training Program (MCPPCDTP) seeks not just to impact good governance; “Our commitment to good governance is at the core, a vision that champions the delivery of democracy”.
Adding that, procurement is an enabler and a critical function that impacts every aspect of Governance and sustainable development from the construction of infrastructure to the provision of health care system, sound education, as well as render assistance to Small and Medium Scale businesses for the interest of all citizens.
He charged them to get it, right stating that, procurement can be a veritable tool for social and economic driving process. Stressing that, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is mandated to organize training as provided in Subsection 5k and 5s of the Public Procurement Act (PPA), 2007. BPP is to organize and develop programmes for the procurement professionals.
This role, he said, aligns with the global best practices as observed in countries like Ghana, India, South Africa, Bangladesh, Europe, United Kingdom, United State of America, etc. It serves the need for continuous capacity development.
A Senior Special Assistant, Mr. Dapo Oyedemi, represented the SGF.
In his Welcome Address, the Acting Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Barr. Olusegun Omotola said, since his assumption of duty in the Bureau, the Office has declined 60% of requests for Restricted Tendering in favor of Open Competition Bidding and promise to do more. This change he said, has met with a lot of resistance and blackmail from those benefiting from the status quo, but we are resolved to entrenching the good principles contained in the Public Procurement Act 2007.
Stressing on the importance of procurement professionals in public procurement reform, the Ag.DG-BPP, pointed out that, their role as procurement officers are crucial in this era of Public Procurement Reform, stating that, “You are expected to bring your expertise and specialized knowledge to the table; going forward, your understanding of procurement process, regulations and best practices is essential for interpreting and implementing the Public Procurement Act 2007 and regulations correctly”.
Barr Omotola highlighted on key behavioral elements for success. One of which he said, is adaptability and change management. “You will need to embrace new technologies and digital solutions like E-government procurement and Procurement Planning Software – Nigeria Open Contract Portal (NOCOPO) to navigate shifting priorities and processes and help stakeholders across your organization adapts to new procedures”. These he said, will help in achieving Mr. President Renewed Hope Agenda.
He appreciated all stakeholders and partners contributions in supporting the reforms in BPP, with reference to The Office of The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Attorney-General of the federation and Minister of Justice, the Chief of Staff to the President, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation amongst others.
Goodwill messages were given by the Director-General, Lagos state Public Procurement Authority, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote. Also, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman was represented by the Acting Zonal Director, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate, Mr. Michael Wetkis, while the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences (ICPC) was represented by the Director, Procurement Mr. Shintema P. Binga.
Janet McDickson
DD, Information/Public Relation & Protocol Unit
