We Are Ready To Partner BPP – Abdul Mamman
Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN), on Monday, said the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) cannot act both as operator and regulator of public procurement process.
The institute made this statement at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja during a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to amend the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Act, 2007, to align with global procurement professional practices and for related matters.”
The hearing was organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement.
The event which was attended by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, committee members and procurement stakeholders, followed the passage of the bill for a second reading earlier this year.
It could be recalled that on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the legislative chamber referred the bill to the Committee on Public Procurement for further input from procurement practitioners and stakeholders, aiming for more comprehensive legislative review.
Addressing the Committee, Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN), Abdul Mamman, expressed the institute’s readiness to partner with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to chart a way forward for procurement in Nigeria.
However, he noted that the BPP has, over the years, acted both as an operator and a regulator.
Amman stated, “The procurement function should be handled by professionals. However, BPP cannot simultaneously serve as both the operator and the regulator. We are ready to collaborate with them to develop a roadmap for public procurement practices in Nigeria.
Earlier in its submission, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), represented by the Director of Civil Infrastructure, Nasir Bello, raised objections to the content of the bill.
Bello noted that in 2000, the Federal Government, with the assistance of development partners, developed a design that the proposed bill aims to reintroduce. This reintroduction involves changing the name and adding new responsibilities, powers, and functions
According to him, “The essence of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, is to empower the National Council on Public Procurement and the Bureau of Public Procurement as the regulatory bodies oversee public procurement. Their responsibilities include monitoring and harmonizing government policies and practices, setting standards, and developing the legal framework and professional capacity for public procurement in Nigeria, among other related matters.”
“The Act is to remove all impediments that had hitherto prevented effective and efficient management of public procurement in Nigeria including the private sector.
“Some of the major impediments included lack of competition and transparency, non-publication of contract opportunities, non-prior disclosure of rules to be used in the selection process, lack of standard bidding documents and setting practice guidelines for procurement practitioners, allow free entry and exist and align with global best practices in line with the UNCITRAL Model Law through multi-stakeholder engagement.”
The BPP boss also questioned the intent of the bill, emphasizing that it appears to “mix or interchange the roles of a regulatory body with those of practitioners, associations, or institutes.
In his brief address at the event, the Speaker, represented by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, urged stakeholders to generate comprehensive recommendations, emphasizing the pivotal role of procurement in the nation’s economic growth and development.
“It is widely acknowledged that efficient procurement and supply processes are crucial for economic growth and effective public service delivery. Therefore, reforming the Chartered Institute of Purchase and Supply Management is essential to modernize the profession in accordance with global standards. This initiative aims to enhance practitioners’ proficiency and promote better outcomes in both public and private governance.”
In his keynote address, Chairman Unyime Idem emphasized the critical importance of strict adherence to and compliance with the Public Procurement Act (PPA) of 2007 by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He underscored that such adherence is not only mandatory but essential to prevent legal repercussions and ensure the efficient and ethical utilization of public resources.
Idem, who represents the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, issued a stern warning to government agencies that disregard parliamentary invitations.
He emphasized “The committee will not hesitate to exercise its legislative powers as provided in Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Order 20, Rule 92 of the House of Representatives’ Standing Orders, and Section 58(5) of the Public Procurement Act. This includes potential legal action to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of our democratic institutions.”
