The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their partnership in procurement practices.

Adebowale Adedokun, director-general of BPP, disclosed this in a statement by Zira Nagga, the bureau’s spokesperson, in Abuja on Friday.

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

Mr 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 the rightful procurement practice,” he said.

The DG 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.

Mr Adedokun reiterated the importance of technology. However, he said, without adequate human development, it would become useless.

The DG 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 a proper regulatory framework to regulate procurement ethics, good governance and procurement practice in Nigeria, and I urge everyone to comply,” he said.

Mr Adedokun said the price intelligence 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,” he added.

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

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

He highlighted CIPS’s commitment to establishing a stronger presence in Nigeria to achieve its capacity-building goals and align with the national strategic vision for procurement.

“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)