Engagement of procurement professionals, key to fighting corruption – Expert
Engagement of procurement professionals, key to fighting corruption – Expert
Mr Benson Abu, Rivers Coordinator, Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply has called for the engagement of professionals in procurement services in order to fight corruption in the sector.
Abu made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Friday.
He noted that procurement gulped more than 80 per cent of every public and private sector budgetary expenditure and as such, should attract adequate attention to promote value for money.
Abu urged public institutions, government and procurement agencies to promote expertise in their establishments by ensuring staff trainings and certification.
Abu commended the Rivers government for passing the procurement Act as well as setting up a procurement council, saying that this would enhance transparency in project deliveries.
According to him, Rivers state now has its procurement Act, this was made possible by the suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara.
Read Also: NDDC releases N10bn to boost entrepreneurship in Niger Delta…
”Fubara, during his administration, set up a procurement council in the state, which indeed is an economic friendly strategy in line with the federal government efforts against corruption.
‘’Contractors no longer need to go to the government or political allies, the procurement council now implements the provisions of the act which involved planning and competitive bidding.
”This also means that every contract in the state must pass through the pronouncement council before it could be awarded,” he said.
Abu stated that the effort would go a long way towards promoting ethical conduct, encouraging accountability and value for money.
He said that the ‘’Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply is a recognized body in charge of certification of practitioners.’’
