The former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Retired), has stated that failure to follow proper procedures in purchasing activities within Nigeria has been a significant national issue.
At the national workshop of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors in Enugu, held at the International Conference Centre Enugu on Thursday, Ihejirika expressed concern that the absence of uniform procedures in procurement has made it challenging to gain and maintain the trust of investors, banks, and contractors, while also hindering Foreign Direct Investments.
Ihejirika stated, 'Non-compliance with standards has become a significant national problem, especially in procurement matters, making it challenging to gain and maintain the trust of investors, banks, and contractors, while also hindering Foreign Direct Investments.'
Under the theme: "Standardising Procurement Excellence by Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency through the Nigerian Bureau of Public Procurement’s Standard Bidding Documents," the former Army General highlighted the significance of employing standard bidding documents to foster transparency and efficiency in procurement.
"The focus on utilizing BPP's standard bid documents as a solution for transparency and efficiency in purchasing deserves evaluation and nationwide adoption," he stated.
Ihejirika praised the President of NIQS, Kene Nzekwe, for the Institute's initiatives in rebranding itself by emphasizing professional quality.
He also extended his congratulations to newly admitted members, reminding them that "a great deal of responsibility comes with each mark of authority."
In his earlier speech, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Chief Nzekwe, highlighted the importance of standardizing procurement procedures within the construction sector to improve openness and effectiveness.
As he stated, quantity surveyors are "guardians of efficiency," ensuring that construction projects are completed on schedule, within financial limits, and meeting the highest levels of quality.
"Quantity Surveyors can be compared to guardians of efficiency, ensuring that all kinds of construction projects are completed on schedule, within financial limits, and meeting the highest quality benchmarks," Nzekwe stated.
Nzekwe praised the Enugu State Government, headed by Governor Peter Mbah, for its progress in infrastructure growth, such as the building of more than 800km of roads and intelligent eco-schools.
"Your dedication to education, demonstrated by the continuous allocation of more than 30% of the budget and the development of smart eco-friendly schools, is commendable," Nzekwe stated.
Nzekwe encouraged attendees to make the most of the workshop to gain essential insights and influence the future of procurement in Nigeria.
"I encourage every attendee to make the most of the resources and the expertise shared by the speakers, and to gain the precious knowledge that this workshop aims to impart," he stated.
The seminar included valuable perspectives from professionals in the field, such as the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, who gave a keynote speech about the significance of standardizing purchasing procedures.
The head of NIQS conveyed confidence that the seminar would meet its goals and offer attendees essential insights to influence the future of purchasing in Nigeria.
"I am certain that the workshop's goals will be achieved due to the caliber of the experts present," Nzekwe stated.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).