The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd) has advocated strict adherence to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, transparency and stiffer punishment for infractions against ethical procurement activities and practice in Nigeria.

The PSC Chairman spoke within the week at the fifth edition of the Commission’s ‘Arena of Knowledge’ weekly lecture series held at its Parry Osayande Auditorium in Jabi Abuja. He presented a paper on Public Procurement in Nigeria: Police Service Commission template, Process and Practices where he traced the Structure of a Procurement Planning Committee in Government Ministries and Parastatals; the basic three categories of contract in public Procurement Act, 2007; and Rules of the Contracting Game which the procuring Entity should comply with.

Public Procurement in Nigeria: The Need for Transparency

The PSC Chairman’s call for transparency and adherence to the Public Procurement Act 2007 highlights the critical importance of ethical and efficient public procurement processes in Nigeria. He delved into the Legal Framework and Administrative Instruments in Public Procurement in Nigeria and the Liabilities and Consequences of the Implications for non-compliance. He expressed concern over the non-operationalization of the National Council on Public Procurement and lack of proper administrative control and Oversight function over Ministries, Departments and Agencies in contract award and execution by the Bureau of Public Procurement.

Challenges and Proposed Solutions

Argungu also pointed out several challenges hindering the effectiveness of public procurement in Nigeria. These include delays in processing and approval of requests for “NO Objection” by the Bureau, inadequate funding to sustain capacity building, and a mismatch between budgetary appropriations and the actual release of funds. He also highlighted the delay in the investigation and prosecution of Offenders of the Provisions of the Procurement Act, delays in payment and sometimes non-payment of contractors for work done, and weak enforcement that have given rise to a pervasive culture of non-compliance.

To address these challenges, Argungu advocated for the elevation of Procurement authority to a high level, strengthening anti-corruption measures, enhancing the legal and regulatory framework, and mitigating political influences. He also stressed the importance of raising awareness among public officials and stakeholders about the importance of ethical and efficient procurement practices.

The Impact of Public Procurement

In his presentation, Mr. Aliyu Ahmad, Head, Procurement Unit of the Police Service Commission, emphasized the broader impact of public procurement. He argued that effective public procurement can stimulate economic activity, create jobs, support local businesses, and promote openness, fairness, and accountability in government spending. He also highlighted that it can ensure the government gets the best value for its money, reduce waste and inefficiency, and facilitate the development of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings.

A Call for Action

The PSC Chairman’s call for transparency and adherence to the Public Procurement Act 2007 is a timely reminder of the vital role that effective procurement plays in promoting good governance and economic development in Nigeria. It is imperative that the government takes concrete steps to address the challenges identified by the PSC Chairman and ensure that public procurement processes are conducted in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner. Only then can Nigeria harness the full potential of public procurement to drive economic growth and improve the lives of its citizens.

The PSC Chairman’s address serves as a rallying cry for all stakeholders to prioritize transparency and ethical practices in public procurement. By working together, government agencies, contractors, and civil society organizations can ensure that public resources are utilized effectively and that all Nigerians benefit from the fruits of public procurement.