BoPP Challenges New Procurement Officers On Due Process

The Director-General,
Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr Emeka Eze, has advised the newly recruited procurement officers to follow due process in the award of contract or risk going to jail.
Eze said this at the opening ceremony of the one week procurement training for the 130 officers in the Federal Civil Service.
He said that being a procurement officer was a sensitive position to hold in any government Ministry, Department and Agencies (MDAs).
He advised them to refrain from corrupt practices and any other act that could tarnish their reputations.
“You have the opportunity to make the changes you so desire in the way contracts are awarded in the country. This training will teach you how to handle yourself in your new role.
“On Saturday, we will take you to Kuje Prisons; we will take a tour of the prisons because public procurement officers, if not careful, are potential occupants of the prisons.
“So, when you are taking decisions as procurement officers, you will decide for yourself whether you want to end up there or not,’’ he said.
Eze said that the induction of fresh graduates into the sector would strengthen the sector and help reduce corruption in public procurement in the country.
The BoPP boss said the training would be on public service rules, financial regulations, discipline in the public sector, structure of the civil service and the roles as procurement officers.
Meanwhile, the Administrator, Public Service Institute of Nigeria, Dr Shehu Misau, said this was the first time Civil Service Commission was employing people specifically to handle procurement in Federal Government MDAs.
“This training is exceptional and will create the niche that is required for accountability, transparency and due diligence in your work as public procurement officers.