The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, (CIPS) has called for the engagement of professionals in procurement processes in order to fight corruption in the public and private sectors.
Coordinator of the institute in Rivers State, Mr. Benson Abu, made the call in an interview with our correspondent in Port Harcourt.
He noted that procurement gulps more than 80 percent of every public and private sector budgetary expenditure and as such, should attract adequate attention to promote value for money.
The coordinator urged public institutions, government and procurement agencies to promote expertise in their establishments by ensuring staff training and certification.
He commended the Rivers State Government for passing the Procurement Act, as well as setting up a procurement council, stressing that this would enhance transparency in project deliveries.
Abu said ”Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara, during his administration, set up a procurement council in the state, which indeed is an economic friendly strategy in line with the federal government efforts against corruption.
‘’Contractors no longer need to go to the government or political allies. The procurement council now implements the provisions of the Act, which involves planning and competitive bidding.
”This also means that every contract in the state must pass through the pronouncement council before it can be awarded.”
The coordinator stated that the effort would go a long way towards promoting ethical conduct, encouraging accountability and value for money.
He said that the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply is a recognized body in -charge of the certification of practitioners.
