BPP trains 400 in standard procurement procedures

 BPP trains 400 in standard procurement procedures

 

Caption of Photos : Right:MD, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Onafowote Fatai Idowu; Rep of the Chairman, ICPC, Mr. Lawrence Abuo, Rep of the DG, BPP and Director, Regulations & Database/ICT, Mr. Aliyu E. Aliyu;Director, Research, Training & Strategic planning, Mr. Adebowale Adedokun; Deputy Director, Administration, Mrs Hauwa Sambo.AD, Energy Infrastructure, Engr. Abubakar R.Salihu and Head, Public Relations & Protocol/Media, Mrs Janet Mcdickson; at the BPP Training for Procurement officers in Federal Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Parastatals & Commissions at Digital Bridge Institute, DBI, Oshodi, Ikeja, Lagos

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), yesterday flagged – off a three – weeks Continuous Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme (CPCDTP) for 400 personnel of Parastatals, Institutions, Commissions and Agencies of the Federal Government.

The training programme according the Director General of BPP, Mamman Ahmadu is to deepen the capacity of the personnel into the procurement cadre for a well – refined process.

Speaking at the opening of the programme at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Oshodi , Lagos, Ahmadu said the initiative 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/ Data Base,Aliyu Aliyu he said procurement officers have a big role to play in achieving Tinubu’s vision of fighting corruption and getting the economic on a vibrant footing by following the standard procurement procedures in their dealings.

He said part of the Tinubu’s priorities is inclusivity, adding that they should draw on all skills base to meet the president’s expectations.

Citing the Public Procurement Act 2007, which empowers the agency in the harmonization of existing government policies and practices in setting standards and developing the legal framework and professional capacity for public procurement in Nigeria, the DG urged the participants to adhere strictly to the procurement process in their respective organizations.

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”

The BPP Director General, however, cautioned 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, Managing Director of Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu , urged the participants to brace up to the challenges the capacity improvement and development programme will throw up  for them, as their new role will create change in perception and new vision as change agents.

The training would require them to be emotionally intelligent, in their drive for the pursuit of due process.

Idowu urged them to deepen their engagement strategies with decision makers.

Also speaking, the BPP’s Director of Training, Research and Planning, Mr Adebowale Adedokun,  said the training programme will equip the participants to the evolving trends in public procurement.

He said the programme will enhance the capacity of the participants to become certified in the cadre they moving up to.