The National Coordinator of Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative, Mohammed Attah, has commended the House of Representatives Committee for adopting the report on the Bill to amend the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management (CIPSMN) Act 2007 and implored the Senate to borrow a leaf.

In a statement yesterday, Attah noted the passage of the CIPSMN Bill by the House of Representatives with the first amendment as evidence of clear and unambiguous intentions to serve the people.

He added: “Nigerians, as before, are commending the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for ensuring the transparent legislative process that led to the adoption of the report of the committee led by the Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement, Idem Unyime.

“For the first time in the quest to amend the Act, this provision received overwhelming approval of the Federal Ministries of Justice, Finance and Education, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Professional Association in Nigeria, CIPSMN, Civil Society organisations (CSOs) and the media.

“Despite these overwhelming support for the bill at the public hearing on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the National Assembly, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), led by its Director-General, Adebowale Adedokun, and pioneer Director-General, Emeka Ezeh, opposed the passage of the bill on the ground that such could be applied as administrative functions. Procurement handbook, they argued, is enough to guarantee the clause.”

He noted that the concurrent adoption of the bill by the Senate would have many implications on the country’s economy in the areas of reducing public procurement corruption by closing many gaps, enhancing standard practices and organised system.

“One very important syndrome the Senate concurrent will also cure is the failure of the executive arm of government to address issues related to procurement practice according to the law. For example, the twin legislations that are CIPSMN and PPA were established in 2007 with a clear mandate to have councils for their regulations. They have existed for over 14 years without councils, and these have a very serious impact on their activities.

“So, as Nigerians await the position of the Senate on the bill, it must be clear that they made the law and know the provisions better. They need to do the needful so that procurement in Nigeria can be healthier and transparent for the good and development of the country,” Attah stated.