The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has officially launched a committee tasked with the comprehensive review of the Public Procurement Act of 2007, aligning it with the current economic landscape in the country.
In his inaugural address, Akume highlighted the significance of the Public Procurement Act 2007, signed into law by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on June 4, 2007. The Act established the National Council on Public Procurement and the Bureau of Public Procurement as regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing public procurement, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the acquisition of works, goods, and services across government entities.
After more than 15 years of implementing the Act, the administration has recognized the necessity to revisit and strengthen its provisions to address contemporary economic challenges and enhance budget implementation and business operations.
The committee, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, includes members such as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, and representatives from the World Bank and KPMG Nigeria serving as technical consultants. The Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office is a member and secretary of the committee.
The committee’s terms of reference involve conducting a thorough review of the Public Procurement Act 2007, identifying obstacles hindering compliance, and proposing recommendations to fortify the Act for improved transparency, accountability, value for money, efficiency, and timely delivery in the procurement processes of ministries, departments, and agencies.
Additionally, the committee is mandated to draft an amendment bill for consideration by the Federal Executive Council and undertake any other tasks directed by the President. The SGF encouraged committee members to approach this responsibility with diligence to streamline public procurement processes for the effective delivery of public goods and services.
Mamman Ahmadu, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, representing the committee, assured that the agency had already commenced internal review processes and pledged efficient collaboration to achieve the committee’s objectives. The committee is expected to complete its assignment within one month.
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