FG vows to stop corruption in public procurement system

The Federal Government has vowed to clean up the public procurement system in order to install a more transparent and honest way of doing business. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, disclosed this on Monday, in Abuja, at a forum with contractors, consultants and service providers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.

The forum, organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement, was held in order to provide an update on the implementation of the reform in the public procurement system, explain the provisions of the public procurement act of 2007 as they affect contractors as well as enhance the implementation of the 2014 federal budget. Anyim said since public procurement is central to good governance and transformation, the federal government would do everything within its power to entrench sound procurement practice in the conduct of government business. Anyim, who recalled that the government had in recent times been witnessing controversial transactions that do not follow due process, added that such a situation had caused serious embarrassment to the federal government. As a result of the abuse in public procurement, he said that the federal government will not hesitate to invoke all sanctions in the provisions of the public procurement act of 2007 against any public officer, contractor, or consultants who contravene any provisions of the law. He said, “Recently, we have been witnessing controversial transactions by government agencies with contractors that do not follow due process. “Government cannot accept a situation where public procurement become a source of frequent embarrassment. Apart from having a negative effect on the nation’s image, the situation also erode the confidence of the citizens on the government. “May I therefore state that government will not hesitate to invoke all sanctions in the provisions of public procurement act of 2007 against any public officer, contractor, or consultants who contravene any provisions of the law.” Represented at the event by the Permanent secretary, Economic Matters, Engr Abubakar Magaji, the SGF said currently, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are investigating cases of abuse in the procurement system. Some of them are collusion among bidders, use of fake documents, false claims by contractors and suppliers and manipulation of procurement process. Also speaking at the event, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke urged the contractors to register on the centralized electronic platform noting that any company that fail to register would no longer be allowed to participate in the procurement process. Represented by the Director in the Office of the Solicitor General of the Federation, Mrs Olusola Moore, the AGF said, “Any contractor or service provider currently doing business is under obligation to register under this platform. “Any contractor who fails to register is in contravention of all the provisions of the act and may be debarred from participating in public procurement activities and the name of the contractor shall be published in accordance with the procurement act.” Adoke said the AGF office will continue to support the BPP in its evolution of best practices in Nigeria public procurement circle to stamp out corrupt practices. The Director-General of the BPP, Engr Emeka Ezeh in his address of welcome said the implementation of the database would assist in the fight against corruption. This, according to him, is in line with the transformation agenda and governments move to institutionalize procurement reforms. He added that the move would also lead to transparency, competition, accountability, and value for money in public procurement.