Institute moves to tackle graft in procurement process

TO enhance transparency in the system, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CISPMN) has moved to tackle corruption in procurement process.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Institute at the weekend in Abuja tagged “Taming the Monster called Corruption through Efficient and Sustainable Procurement Practice in Nigeria,” the President, CISPMN, Abdul-Hamid Diekola Oyewo, said procurement process void of corruption is key to engendering strong economic growth.

He said the move was inline with President Muhammadu Buhari’s resolve to tackle corruption in all government institutions.

According to him, a particular step taken recently which is relevant to the philosophy of procurement profession is the Treasury Single Account (TSA) whose main aim is to enhance transparency and reduce corruption in the country.

He called on President Buhari to establish commission in states to tackle corruption in the system.

“Mr. President sir, to curb corruption in the country, it is imperative and logical that all states of the nation must be directed to establish a Public Procurement Bureau/Agency or Commission urgently in their respective states.”

“In this regard, contract awards and procurement management at that level will positively affect the delivery of service across the states with recourse to transparency, accountability and value for money,” he said.

According to him, this can be greatly achieved through use of certified procurement professionals and not in the hands of non-qualified individuals with sinister motives.

Oyewo said, “Nigerians are therefore looking up to your government to put in place public policies and measures that will ensure rapid and sustainable economic development. The entire members of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria would like Mr. President to view the mandate given to him by Nigerians as an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past by placing the country in its rightful position among the comity of nations.”