Ways to entrench best practices in procurement processes were highlighted at an event that saw the launch of the procurement integrity and transparency initiative organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) to train vendors on the role of procurement transparency to reduce corruption in Nigeria.
An assessment of the Center’s Transparency and Integrity Index (TII) has shown that most MDAs score low on the procurement variable, and there’s no gainsaying public sector corruption thrives as a result of weak and abuse of procurement processes.
The lack of compliance procurement culture, the 2nd Deputy Director of the ACCI, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, said is responsible for “ninety percent” of corruption in the public sector.
The session which had Lola Adekanye, the Country Director, CIPE, Friday Odey, the Country Director, Accountability Lab, the Director General of the ACCI, Victorria Akai, among others held that there is a need for wider stakeholders’ collaboration, and urged government to leverage technology in order to minimize human interference in the procurement process. Panelists also strongly expressed the belief that open and e-procurement will enhance transparency.
The Center looks forward to working with stakeholders in the task of promoting transparency and due diligence in procurement process. We believe that a culture of integrity and ethical behavior are required for a corruption free procurement regime.
Government institutions should also seek to use information on the Corporate Affairs Commission’s Beneficial Owners Register to improve due diligence and transparency in procurement.