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By Merit Ibe
To meet the changing demands of the public sector and offer greater flexibility in procedures and practices, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has committed to modernize the Public Procurement Regulatory Frameworks.
Acting Director General of the BPP, Barrister Olusegun Omotola, who made the remark yesterday during the
“2024 training for Conversion/Induction into the Procurement Cadre in
Parastatals, Institutions, Commissions and Agencies of the Federal
Government,” in Lagos, noted that work was ongoing on the review of the current Public Procurement Act 2007 in
this regard, seeking the support of stakeholders when it get to the floor of
the National Assembly.
Highlighting the critical role procurement officers play, he viewed that the era of procurement reform presents both challenges and opportunities, “and your role in navigating this landscape is crucial.
“Remember, you are not just administrators of processes; you are strategic partners in delivering public value and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. Your expertise,
adaptability, ethical standards and collaborative skills will be instrumental in driving successful procurement reform and elevating the strategic importance of the
procurement function within your organizations.”
Omotola noted that the reform will be driven under four pillars which include
modernization of legislative and regulatory framework; Strengthening of institutional framework and management capacity; Improvement of procurement operations and market practices and Strengthening integrity of public procurement system.
He pointed out that the bureau also aims to simplify and streamline the procurement processes with the deployment of
e-Government Procurement (e-GP).
“We are determined to reduce the delivery timelines of BPP operations through the deployment of a transparent and AI driven Procurement
Review Management System to manage its workflow and prevent corrupt practices.
“ We are determined to implement Organizational Re-engineering, ensure
Organizational Culture Change and Transform and Re-brand the BPP as a
proactive and effective regulator and anti-corruption agency; among others.
Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, said a procurement officer’s functions are fought with risks and temptation that only transparency of actions, integrity and loyalty to the organisation can protect the official.
Aliyu charged the incoming officers that they must strive to take only actions that they can report publicly and defend, noting that a life of integrity is compatible with public procurement.
He noted that one of the mistakes an officer would make is to assume that he knows it already, reminding the trainees that the course is not only for training but for certification, “as your involvement on procurement hangs in a balance until you are duly certified.”
Fatai Idowu Onafowote, the Director General, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, viewed that the collaboration between the BPP Lagos and the Public procurement agency holds great potential for the future.
He noted that Lagos state, has been relentless in its pursuit for procurement reforms that align with global best practices.
