The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive initiative which aims to professionalize procurement services in the country’s public sector in order to elevate the quality of its delivery.
The disclosure was made by the recently appointed Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, at a Stakeholders’ Engagement Retreat on the Draft National Procurement Certification Framework (NPPCF) organised by the agency in Abuja on Thursday.
“Government is saying, go and turn procurement cadre to professional cadre that is globally, internationally competitive.
“The project is divided into two tracks- we have the academic and the professional track. The unique thing is that the two of them are in tandem with each other, they’re working together.
Six universities have since been designated s centres of excellence in procurement for this purpose viz ; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, (ATBU)Bauchi; Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi; Ahmdu Bello University, Zaria; Federal University of Technology , Owerri; University of Benin, Benin-City nd University of Lagos.
“The 6 universities are training people on the theoretical knowledge which is book work, the professional angle involves taking them to the hands on- how it should be done, when it should be done, the quality required and then the industry component, that is the synergy we are looking forward to”, Dr Adedokun said.
In answer to journalists’ questions about those who will benefit from the professional training, he added that “The prority is those who have done the academic work, who have graduated from the 6 centres of excellence, that is the universities involved. We want to infuse in them the professional skills before we let others join. If you have not done it you wait.”
He also expressed concern that many of the current experts in the service are either already retiring or close to retirement age hence the urgent need to have ready and qualified pool of officers who will fill the vacancies.
The Director-General explained that the initiative, developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance and development partners, seeks to enhance the capacity of procurement practitioners nationwide.
“For government to implement its projects and achieve its goals, the critical component that needs to be strengthened is the procurement function,” he stated.
He emphasized that the initiative also involves the private sector, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange between public and private stakeholders.
Dr. Adedokun also stressed that going forward it is advisble for contractors seeking government contracts to have certified procurement professionals in their employ. While, according to him, this will not be made mandatory for contractors, it will be an added advantage over their competition as it gives the assurance that the contractor has a proper understanding of the procurement processes.
The BPP DG also disclosed that the pilot phase of the program will be launched in January 2025.
He emphasised that the current search is for Nigeria s who are patriotic and passionate about the national dream and not people who are driven by their personal monetary interests.
“This program is not for people who just want to make money. It’s for those who want to see good roads, 24-hour power supply, and the best for Nigeria,” he said.