Police Service Commission Chairman Calls For Reforms In Nigeria’s Public Procurement Practices
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The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), has emphasized the need for increased penalties and transparency in Nigeria’s public procurement practices.
He made this call during the fifth edition of the Commission’s ‘Arena of Knowledge’ weekly lecture series held at its Parry Osayande Auditorium in Jabi, Abuja.
In his presentation, titled “Public Procurement in Nigeria: Police Service Commission Template, Process, and Practices,” DIG Argungu highlighted the challenges and threats facing Nigeria’s public procurement practices.
He lamented the circumvention of provisions in the Procurement Act, such as contract splitting and variation, and called for the elevation of procurement authority to a high level, presumably to a talented person of high integrity.
The PSC Chairman also identified the non-operationalization of the National Council on Public Procurement, lack of proper administrative control, and oversight function over Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in contract award and execution as major challenges.
He further noted the delays in processing and approval of requests for “NO Objection” by the Bureau of Public Procurement, inadequate funding for capacity building, and mismatch between budgetary appropriations and actual release of funds as serious threats to Nigerian public procurement practices.
DIG Argungu recommended strengthening anti-corruption measures, enhancing the legal and regulatory framework, and mitigating political influences to address these challenges. He also emphasized the need for timely investigation and prosecution of offenders, prompt payment to contractors, and effective enforcement to prevent non-compliance.
In a related presentation, Mr. Aliyu Ahmad, Head of the Procurement Unit of the Commission, highlighted the importance of public procurement in stimulating economic activity, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.
He emphasized that good procurement practices promote openness, fairness, and accountability in government spending, ensure best value for money, and facilitate the development of critical infrastructure.
The event was part of the Commission’s efforts to promote knowledge sharing and best practices in public procurement. The recommendations made by DIG Argungu and Mr. Ahmad are expected to contribute to the ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s public procurement practices, aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and value for money.
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