Abuja: The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE) and Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their partnership on procurement practices. Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPE, announced this development in a statement issued by Zira Nagga, Head of Public Relations at BPP.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adedokun received a delegation from the CIPS, UK, African Region, and Asia Pacific, highlighting that the MoU aims to deepen the existing partnership with CIPS, a leader in global procurement practice, to support national procurement practices in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of understanding procurement processes, which encompass more than just contract awards.

Adedokun outlined his vision to advance Nigeria's development through effective training, knowledge sharing, and best procurement practices. He envisioned transforming Nigeria into a hub for international representation, thereby boosting local industries and content. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with professional bodies like CIPS for proper procurement practice.

The Director-General mentioned several bureau projects, including the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project, which has positioned Nigeria on the global stage. He highlighted the necessity of human capacity development alongside technological advancement, noting that 8,000 officers are expected to benefit from the collaboration with CIPS.

Adedokun affirmed that BPP would establish a regulatory framework to oversee procurement ethics and governance in Nigeria. The Price Intelligent Unit (PIU) and External Cooperation Unit (ECU) of the bureau will implement the MoU, leveraging CIPS resources to standardize pricing for consultancy, goods, works, and services.

In response, Ben Farrel, CEO of CIPS, UK, praised the Nigerian Government for its global impact and stressed the need for procurement and supply chain professions to lead development efforts. Farrel emphasized CIPS's role in setting ethical procurement standards and its commitment to capacity building in Nigeria, aligning with the national strategic vision for procurement. He advocated for increased skills in procurement as a globally relevant profession and expressed determination to advance the profession and CIPS towards global leadership.