A Past President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Immediate Past DG of the Bureau of Public Procurement Engr Emeka Ezeh have stated that it was imperative that the nation’s president chair the National Council for Procurement considering the enormity and strategic functions of the agency. He emphasized that the president needed to be aware of contract agreements which border on developmental activities of the nation. He mentioned the need for the composition of the Council and the independence of the bureau to reflect its regulatory status.
Engr Ezeh made this position known during the 2nd Procurement Summit of the Nigerian Institution of Procurement Engineers held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos at the weekend. He stated that the significance of the summit was to further raise awareness on the need for diligence by officers in the public procurement sector.
He highlighted the need for clarity, transparency, accountability, trustworthiness, reliability, and openness by those in the sector as these are the tenets upholding the body. He further stated that the law regulating public procurement in the country exists to ensure that public funds are responsibly spent and in turn value for money is gotten.
His presentation further emphasized the need for risk assessment, risk indicators, accurate data, and ample time for due process before awarding of contracts, as a lack of these have its negative impact on the industry.
Finally, he explained that technology cannot solely solve the issues existing in the industry as it is prone to manipulations and ultimately the need for human capital cannot be over-emphasized.
The National Chairman of the Institution Engr. Nwauzor, I. Chucks, had earlier expressed appreciation to all the dignitaries and members who attended the event.
In attendance were dignitaries such as the Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement ably represented by the Director, Compliance, Engr. Ishaq Yahaya, The secretary, Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, also ably represented by Director, Procurement, Mr. Uba Obuji, Engr. Prof. Kunle Wahab, Engr. Chief. Zedomi, Engr. Prof. James Akanmu, Engr. Dr. Chukwura C.C who is The Special Adviser, Projects to Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Umudike – Abia State.
Stakeholders in the sector such as representatives from SMEDAN, Engr. Abu Ozigi, FIIRO, DPR, NIMASA, NPA, LUTH, NRC, and other Private-Public sector Procurement Experts, graced the event hosted by NIProcE Lagos Chapter Chairman, Engr. Echedom C. Samuel and the other members of the society.
