By OKEOGHENE AKUBUIKE

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE) and Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their partnership on procurement practices.

Dr Adebowale Adedokun Director-General, BPE, made this known in a statement issued by Zira Nagga, Head of Public Relations at BPP in Abuja on Friday.

Adedokun, who received a delegation from the CIPS, UK, African Region and Asia Pacific, said the MoU was to deepen the existing partnership with CIPS ? a lead in global procurement practice and a catalyst to support a national procurement practice in Nigeria.

According to him, knowledge of procurement processes is essential to navigating problems of life, as procurement practice is not only centred on awards of contracts but broader and wider in its practice.

Adedokun emphasised his vision and agenda to aid Nigeria?s development through proper training, knowledge, and best procurement practices.

?This will transform Nigeria into the ?Dubai of Africa? whereby all countries will be represented in Nigeria, thereby growing our industries and local content.

?All these could be achieved by collaborating with different professional bodies, of which Nigeria needs support from CIPS for rightful procurement practice.?

The D-G highlighted several bureau projects, including the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project, which had positioned Nigeria in the global arena and created a significant impact worldwide.

Adedokun reiterated the importance of technology.

However, he said without adequate human development, it would become useless.

?Therefore, there should be a focus on human capacity development for officers to be trained and provided with the necessary certification that will enable them to compete globally.?

The D-G stated that BPP was promoting a career in procurement in Nigeria, with no fewer than 8,000 officers set to benefit from the partnership with CIPS.

?BPP as a regulatory body will institute proper regulatory framework to regulate procurement ethics, good governance and procurement practice in Nigeria, and I urge everyone to comply.?

Adedokun said the Price Intelligent Unit (PIU) and External Cooperation Unit (ECU) of the bureau would drive the MoU.

?The units would tap from the resources of CIPS on how prices are done in terms of consultancy, goods, works and services, to eliminate variations in prices.

?The MoU brings both entities together to uphold the principles of good procurement practices and reaffirms the shared commitment to building a stronger and prosperous Nigeria.?

In response, Ben Farrel, CEO of CIPS, UK, commended the Nigerian Government for the recent impact Nigeria made on the world.

Farrel said he believed that procurement and supply chain professions must take centre stage and lead from the frontline.

He said that CIPS brought the best standard in terms of ethical procurement practices, and served as a benchmark around the world.

Farrel highlighted CIPS?s commitment to establishing a stronger presence in Nigeria to achieve the goals of capacity building and align with the national strategic vision for procurement.

?More people need skills in procurement because it is a profession that is relevant around the world and it is important for Africa and the world to strive towards development.

?We are determined to move the procurement and supply chain profession and CIPS forward into a future where they are global leaders, shaping the future of the planet,? he said. (NAN)

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