The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adedokun, has issued a stern charge to procurement officers nationwide, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing value for money, transparency, and fiscal accountability to drive better service delivery. Adedokun made these remarks on Monday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the second batch of the Mandatory Continuous Public Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme.
According to the BPP chief, the initiative is designed to bolster the professional performance of procurement officers by ensuring they are well-versed in the principles, regulatory frameworks, and ethical standards mandated by the Public Procurement Act of 2007. He characterized public procurement as a vital instrument for national development and economic stability, noting that sound decision-making in this sector directly dictates the quality of government interventions in critical areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and national security.
During his address, Adedokun cautioned participants against the common misconception of equating the lowest bid with the best value. He urged officers to focus on the “best evaluated offer” and underscored that professional growth should not conclude with the acquisition of a training certificate. To ensure tangible results, he confirmed that the Bureau would actively monitor the performance of attendees to verify that the skills acquired during the training are effectively applied to their daily administrative responsibilities.
Providing insight into the selection process, the Coordinator of Training and Programmes, Nelson Ojougboh, explained that participants were chosen through a highly competitive and transparent vetting process. He noted that this particular batch was specifically tailored for junior officers to institutionalize best practices early in their career trajectories, thereby fortifying the professional integrity of government agencies. Ojougboh clarified that certification would not be granted based on attendance alone, but would be strictly contingent upon individual performance assessments. Furthermore, he noted that the resource persons facilitating the sessions were carefully vetted for their expertise to ensure high-quality mentorship.
The training has been well-received by those in attendance, with Hamza Abdullahi, a procurement officer representing the Consumer Protection Tribunal in Abuja, noting that the program provides an invaluable opportunity to deepen technical knowledge and refine contract management skills. Abdullahi commended the federal government for fostering an environment where procurement professionals can network and exchange insights, ultimately leading to more prudent and effective management of public resources.
Source: NaijaProbe