In a move to enhance Nigeria’s procurement system and prevent corrupt practices, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), have signed of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The MoU outlines several objectives, including the strategic monitoring and evaluation of public procurement processes, strengthening information and intelligence gathering, and ensuring that procurement activities are free from corruption and related offences.
Speaking during the signing of the documents, the chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s procurement system.
The Commission’s chairman also emphasized that these efforts are crucial in preventing corrupt practices and ensuring the prosecution of offenders.
Aliyu noted that the partnership is a strategic move towards fostering good governance, promoting national development, and ensuring the efficient delivery of essential public services and infrastructure.
He stressed that the collaboration represents a firm commitment to safeguarding public funds and ensuring that every Naira spent by the government delivers tangible benefits to the Nigerian people.
A statement signed by the Director, Public Enlightenment and Education, Mr Demola Bakare, who doubles as the spokesman for the Commission and shared with media in Abuja, noted that Dr Aliyu said, “The procurement system must be anchored on fairness, efficiency, and integrity, and such principles are essential for national prosperity.”
The statement added that he commended the BPP for its role in the initiative, expressing confidence in the leadership of its Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, in upholding good governance and advancing the collective goal of building a stronger, corruption-free Nigeria.
In his remarks, Adedokun who described the signing of the MoU as a historic milestone expressed confidence in the capacity of both agencies to deliver value to Nigerians, noting that the partnership will leave a lasting legacy of efforts made to improve the lives of citizens.
“While the ICPC’s mandate is to rid Nigeria of corruption, the BPP is tasked with preventing it from occurring in the first place. This collaboration marks the end of business as usual for defaulters.”, he added.
The partnership aims to create an enabling environment for local and international investors by fostering a transparent and accountable procurement system.
