Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has inaugurated the Nigeria Procurement Certification Portal as part of efforts to promote professionalism and accountability in public procurement.
Akume, represented by Finance Minister Wale Edun at the Abuja launch on Wednesday, warned procurement officers to uphold ethical standards or face consequences for misconduct.
“We must sound a strong note of warning to all procurement officers… we will be held accountable,” he said, describing the initiative as a strategic step towards institutionalising professionalism under the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Programme.
Edun said the portal and certification initiative would allow young Nigerians to offer globally recognised services from within the country, helping curb the brain drain known as the “Japa” phenomenon.
Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, said the programme aligns with the Public Procurement Act 2007 and aims to train both public and private procurement professionals to meet international standards.
“This will ultimately reduce subjectivity, wastage, enhance job opportunities, and promote exports of procurement expertise to other developing countries,” he said, noting over 7,000 procurement officers, including 30% women, have already been trained.
World Bank Acting Country Director, Taimur Samad, praised Nigeria’s leadership, announcing an increase in the Bank’s funding for the $80 million SPESSE programme, which is drawing interest from other African nations.
Senate Committee Chairman on Public Procurement, Sen. Ipinsagba Olajide, called for transparency and fairness, affirming that procurement processes would soon be fully digital and accessible.
The SPESSE project, supported by the World Bank, aims to build public sector capacity in procurement, environmental, and social standards.
(NAN)