The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has launched the maiden edition of a mandatory continuous capacity-building programme for the conversion of Nigerian Navy officers in the logistics cadre into core procurement professionals, aimed at enhancing compliance in defence procurement.

The professional training, anchored on logistics operational responsibilities, is designed to equip military officers with the requisite technical knowledge to uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and professionalism in Armed Forces procurement functions.

Unveiling the capacity-building programme at the Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Dawakin-Tofa, Kano, on Thursday, the Director-General of BPP, Adebowale Adedokun, explained that the training is intended to acquaint military procurement officers with the nitty-gritty of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and other extant regulations.

The DG noted the Bureau is simplifying procurement processes and reactivating the e-Government Procurement (e-GP) platform, while ensuring open competitive bidding across procurement activities.

Adedokun, who was represented by Nasiru Bello, Director of Civil Engineering, emphasised that besides capacity building, BPP is spearheading reforms to review the 2007 Act to ensure alignment with global best practices, as well as re-engineering the Bureau for greater efficiency and transparency through digital tools and AI-based review systems.

He also revealed plans to designate the Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Dawakin-Tofa, as a Centre of Excellence, where military procurement officers will undergo professional training in public procurement practices.

Chief of Logistics, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Sulaiman Haruna Abdullahi, emphasised the significance of continuous capacity building in the procurement of military equipment to strengthen national security.

Drawing a connection between seamless procurement practices and national security, Rear Admiral Abdullahi stated “Without procuring the requisite military and defence equipment, the Armed Forces will not be able to project power and contain threats to national security.

“The essence of this training is to build the capacity of Navy procurement and logistics officers to understand the tenets of public procurement for the acquisition of necessary equipment to address security challenges.”

The Chief of Logistics urged participants to give their full attention to the training, noting that their selection was based on merit and the trust reposed in them by the Navy.

He further charged them to uphold integrity and demonstrate a high level of transparency and accountability, reminding them that public procurement remains one of the highest-risk areas for corruption.

According to him “Public procurement is no longer a mere administrative support function. It is, without exaggeration, the engine room of government expenditure and a critical lever for economic development.

“This programme represents a paradigm shift. It is no longer optional for procurement personnel to upgrade their skills it is compulsory. It is no longer acceptable to rely on outdated knowledge or trial-and-error methods. Professionalism is now a requirement, not a preference.” Rear Admiral Abdullahi added.