Hashimu Argungu, chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), has called for stringent penalties over recurrent contract splitting and variations that undermine the Procurement Act.
Speaking at the fifth edition of the commission’s ‘Arena of Knowledge’ weekly lecture series, he emphasised the importance of greater transparency in Nigeria’s procurement processes.
Argungu, while presenting a paper titled “Public Procurement in Nigeria: Police Service Commission Template, Process, and Practices,” sought structured procurement planning committees within government ministries and parastatals.
He also detailed the three primary categories of contracts outlined in the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and emphasized the essential rules that procuring entities must adhere to during the contracting process.
Argungu expressed concern over the non-operationalisation of the National Council on Public Procurement and the lack of proper oversight by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
He pointed out significant challenges such as delays in processing and approval of “No Objection” requests, inadequate funding for capacity building, and mismatches between budgetary appropriations and actual fund releases.
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The chairman also criticised delays in investigating and prosecuting offenders of the Procurement Act, as well as issues with contractor payments. He called for the elevation of procurement authority to a high-level position of integrity, stronger anti-corruption measures, improved legal and regulatory frameworks, and reduced political influence in procurement practices.
Aliyu Ahmad, head of the procurement unit of the commission, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the economic benefits of effective public procurement.
Ahmad noted that sound procurement practices stimulate economic activity, create jobs, support local businesses, and ensure fairness and accountability in government spending.
He highlighted that good procurement reduces waste and inefficiency while facilitating the development of critical infrastructure.
Ahmad stressed that an impartial and consistent procurement process offers a level playing field for all contractors, suppliers, and consultants, thereby expanding opportunities and ensuring transparency and reliability in government contracting.
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