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SPOTLIGHTS
- Three governors received “Procurement Compliance Governor” awards
- 39 new members inducted into APPON
- Conference focused on promoting professionalism and ethical practices
- APPON President highlighted the problem of unqualified procurement officers
- Akwa Ibom community in Abuja commended APPON’s leadership
From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Governors Mai Mala Buni (Yobe State) and Nasir Idris (Kebbi State) were honoured with the “Procurement Compliance Governor” award by the Association of Public Procurement of Nigeria (APPON). The awards were presented during the Association’s 2024 annual conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, which also saw the induction of 39 new members.
Other recipients of excellence service awards included His Royal Eminence Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, Prince Enobong Uwa, Hon. Unyime Idem, Sebastor Ekong Sampson, and Prince Godwin Ntukude.
Speaking at the award ceremony, APPON President Dr Emem James Kanico explained that the governors were recognised for their commitment to public procurement procedures in their states’ transactions.
The conference also featured paper presentations, panel discussions, advocacy visits, the unveiling of the APPON Journal, the inauguration of the Akwa Ibom State chapter, and the induction of new members.
Dr Kanico urged the inductees to uphold professional ethics, stating, “We will not hesitate to withdraw your membership in the event of professional misconduct because the Association is saddled with the responsibility to assist the government to accelerate national development.”
He emphasised the need for “integrity, hard work, and excellence in line with global standards in public procurement to ensure public confidence.”
Highlighting the challenge of unqualified individuals in procurement roles, Dr. Kanico revealed, “80% of converted procurement officers are not in the procurement departments, meaning that quacks are still running the business.”
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom community in Abuja commended APPON’s leadership for its professionalism. Barr. Aniefiok Ibah, President of the community, expressed hope that the Association would “take APPON to another level.”
