By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives has commensed the process of amending ” A Bill For an Act To Amend The Chattered Institute of Purchasing And Supply Management of Nigeria Act, 2007 To be In Tandem With What Obtains In Procurement Professional Practice Across The Globe And For Related Matters” ( HR. 346/2924).
Public Hearing on the amendment brought together major stakeholders in the sector.
While declaring the event open, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, said that contributions at the hearing would enable the House have a better understanding of the bill.
He said effective supply and procurement was crucial to the growth of the economy.
He applaud the House Committee on Public Procurement for the remarkable manner the event was organized.
He thanked stakeholders present at the event for their continued support to legislative businesses.
” As the people’s House, this important public hearing reinforces our dedication to open, participatory and consultative parliament as enumerated significantly in our Legislative Agenda and demonstrated in the recent open NASS Week we organized to interface with the masses of our country. Let me emphasize that public hearing is a key legislative process put in place by the parliament to provide relevant stakeholders and other members of the public a robust window to be part of the parliamentary practice. In so doing, your views, feelings and aspirations are captured in the legislative framework to guarantee better legal outputs”. Hon Abbas said.
He noted that it is well known that effective procurement and supply processes play a vital role in economic growth and development and essentially provoke efficient public service delivery.
” The need to reform the Chartered Institute of Purchase and Supply Management, the professional body became imperative to modernize the profession in line with global standard practice to stimulate enhanced proficiency on the part of the practitioners and to foster greater positive results in public and private governance. It is against this background that I urge you to embrace this opening offered by today’s legislative platform in a holistic manner to make potent and resourceful contributions needed to strengthen this reform process.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, Hon Uyime Idem, said that the House in plenary on Wednesday, 28th February 2024 considered a bill seeking to amend the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Act, 2007 to be in tandem with what obtains in the Procurement Professional Practice Across the Globe and for Related Matters (Hb. 346), and after much debate on the bill, the bill was referred to the Committee on Public Procurement for a more robust legislative input from procurement practitioners and stakeholders.
He said that the House considers public hearing as an utmost avenue to distill public opinion and check the pulse of the nation over the activities of the House.
He noted that the CIPSMN bill is considered a priority because of the important role it has played in shaping professionals in the field of purchasing and supply chain management in Nigeria and the development of high standard professional skill, ability and integrity among all those engaged in procurement practice.
” As we settle in to consider the issue before us at this hearing on the CIPSMN ACT, our contributions and submissions should be guided with the fact that we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them, and also align our whims and caprices towards the renewed hope agenda of this present administration. Permit me to cease this opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement to upholding the legal and institutional framework for the enthronement of transparency, accountability, value for money and efficiency in the procurement of works, goods and services within Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Parastatals as stipulated in the Public Procurement Act, 2007. Strict adherence and due process compliance with the PPA, 2007 is MANDATORY for all MDAs, to avoid legal repercussions and ensure the efficient and ethical utilization of public resources”. Hon Idem said.
In his submission, the representative of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. Bello Nasir, said that the Bureau is willing to work with the the Chartered Institute of Purchasing And Supply Management to create room for synergy between the two agencies.
The Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing And Supply Management of Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Maman said that the be conflict of duties between the operator and regulators need to be addressed.
He noted here is the need to carry out the need assessment for Procurement officers in Nigeria and that government needed to recognize member of the Institute as professionals.
