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BY NDAGI BELLO EL’SUDI

Growing up as a teenager on the streets of Minna, the writer first heard about Purchasing and Supply, (P & S) through an older person who stayed in the neighborhood, but studying the course at the Kaduna Polytechnic. Repeatedly, he spoke glowingly about the institution and discipline. One recalls the mention of store management, warehousing, materials management, procurement, supply management, logistics administration, and a few other key components of P & S. A few years later, though one was offered admission to study the course at the iconic school but switched to a different institution and course largely because of near-zero numerate competencies. However, decades after the experience, the writer’s love for the profession subsists. With more knowledge and understanding, one remains connected to the course, and other related disciplines such that the writer regularly counsels the younger generation to build a career in it.

With background in public policy and passion for good governance, one has always been interested in the performances or otherwise of public institutions. In the past few months, the writer has stumbled on certain reports in the media concerning a government agency, and a professional body. That the two institutions involved are related to my “childhood course” awakened curiosity. One has been amazed by the cocktail of issues that are involved. More disturbing is the escalation in the media; regular and online. The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria, (CIPSMN) has literally called out the Bureau for Public Procurement, (BPP) on certain issues involving operations, control, mandates, and professionalism. In spite the reactions and interventions by a few stakeholders, the angst, and fire is yet to subside; building up, and assuming a life of its own.

As a stakeholder in “our” profession, and more importantly, given one’s unapologetic commitment to probity, transparency, and fairness the issues at hand require deliberate and conscious inquisition. In the pursuit of truth and fairness, the writer had to dig deep towards ensuring that Nigerians are properly informed, appropriately educated, and providing necessary details that will lead to realistic resolution of the issues. One had to seek, sample the opinions, comments, and positions of many professionals in the private sector, and public service. Many days were dedicated to studying the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) Establishment Act, 2007, and the Public Procurement Act, 2007. Also, quality time was allotted towards having world-wide knowledge and understanding of similar or related situations. All these, were geared towards having clarity of the issues at hand, making informed opinion, and helping stakeholders and other interested people from being victims of skewed narratives, and jaundiced propaganda.

From reports in the public space, the CIPSMN raised certain issues against the BPP which, they argued are at variance with the Acts establishing respective institutions. These alleged infractions are hinged on various training programmes organised by the BPP, in conjunction with World Bank. The CIPSMN accused the BPP of infringing on its statutory responsibilities; undermining the Institute’s authority; violating Executive Order 5 of the present government; and a few others. While concluding that the BPP’s actions leads to conflict of interest, the CIPSMN canvassed for presidential directive to empower it to manage all donor-funded procurement training; assume ownership of issuing overall or specific certifications to members; and a few other propositions.

The CIPSMN was established in 2007 by the Act of Parliament as a statutory body responsible for the registration and discipline of members of the profession. The Act clearly stipulates conditions for registration of members, operational guidelines, and many other provisions. Before Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, public procurements were largely haphazard. There was flagrant abuse of processes, flawed procedures, mismanagement of public funds, ineffective planning, and stymied public service delivery. To ensure responsive governance and meaningful economic development, the PPA Act; which gave birth to the BPP was instituted in 2007 by the legislature. A careful study of the Acts establishing respective institutions reveals that the CIPSMN is basically for private organisations to thrive, minimise costs, maximize profits, and perform their duties with professionalism. The BPP, on the other hand, focuses on public procurement, maintaining ethical standards, capacity building, and other responsibilities for good governance in the public sector.

Ordinarily, both institutions should operate, harmoniously, for the deepening of ethical standards, sustainability of service delivery, and the promotion of good governance as it relates to general procurement in the public service. But this is not the case. For now, the CIPSMN, and BPP have divergent positions about certain issues. What is responsible for this development? How will this impact or affect the profession? Many stakeholders are worried, and do not see the need for conflict between them. A senior official with a big conglomerate, who pleaded anonymity confessed that, “the rivalry of the leadership of CIPSMN towards BPP is not necessary. Their relationship should be complimentary not antagonistic.” A female member of the CIPSMN was more direct, she declared that, “it is about ego by the leadership of our Institute. Many people know that BPP has not done anything contrary. Somebody believes he is better qualified to head the government organisation, forgetting that power comes from the Creator.” But, what are these issues?

From painstaking analysis, the CIPSMN’s sustained beef against BPP has root cause and symptoms. In many ways, the coordination of various training programmes by the Bureau, through the World Bank funded SPESSE project, as well as similar initiatives has majorly escalated the hidden bickering, rivalry, and animosity. It is argued that CIPSMN wallows in unnecessary posturing because BPP has not gone beyond the Act. In Part 2. 2.14 which listed its functions, 2.15 as regards “Capacity Building” states that, it can:-
(a). Organise TRAINING and DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES for PROCUREMENT PROFESSIONALS;
(b). Coordinate RELEVANT TRAINING PROGRAMMES to BUILD INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY. The Bureau’s actions are in consonance with its Powers as captured in Section 2.15.6 (b) and (d) specifying that it can “liaise with relevant bodies or institutions national and international for effective performance of its functions under this Act,” and can “do such other things as are necessary for the efficient performance of its functions under this Act.”

Indeed, that the leadership of CIPSMN is accusing the BPP of affiliation with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply UK, is outrightly strange and deceptive. Empirical records, and verifiable evidences of many CIPSMN members revealed that the leadership is not sincere. Perhaps, it may be the case of dis-ingenious subterfuge, deliberate misinformation, or emboldened tongue foolery. A stakeholder asked, “why do the CIPSMN allow members with Certificates from the UK and USA bodies of our profession to be eligible for the position of Registrar?” Another member dismissed the accusation as, “puerile and cynical. It is a case of kettle calling the pot black.” Perhaps, the leadership of the CIPSMN deserved to be educated on the spirit and letters of “overriding national importance” as recognised by the relevant authorities in Nigeria. In line with its features, objectives, powers, and functions the BPP can operationalise this all-important, and all-inclusive regulation in carrying out its responsibilities.

It was discovered that for many years, Certified Members of CIPSMN have benefitted from numerous capacity building programmes by the BPP. These include conversion courses to the procurement cadre in the public service fully endorsed by Nigeria’s Head of Service. While ALL CIPSMN Inductees do not need any other certification to practice in the private sector, the reverse is the case with the public service. It is mandatory for Inductees to have the BPP Conversion Certificate before deployment to the procurement cadre. A retired management staff in the beverage industry asked, “why has the leadership of CIPSMN never, ever protested against its members attending the conversion course? These attacks are driven by envy and hatred.” Another female stakeholder added that, “the vast majority of members know the truth. A few people are mischievously using the CIPSMN to pursue inordinate ambitions. The relevant bodies and authorities should know that majority of us are not part of this wild goose chase.”

In its bid to curry public sympathy and sway populist opinion, the CIPSMN alluded that the actions of BPP led to conflict of interest, violation of Executive Order 5, undermining of Nigeria’s legal order, and flouting of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu. This is repulsive, preposterous, and tendentious. The importance of BPP to meaningful growth and development of the country cannot be over-emphasized. Congnisant that public procurement occupies a very critical role towards ensuring prompt and accessible services, it has emerged as a major fulcrum of government. It has achieved milestones to justify the confidence and trust reposed in it. To ensure sustained and realistic procurements amid the present economic challenges, its advisory for increased monetary thresholds across MDAs was approved by the federal government. The Bureau was also directed to anchor the “Nigeria First Policy” by coming up with necessary strategies and guidelines to ensure its take-off and success. It has harmonious working relationships with the legislature.

However, the writer observed an intriguing and worrying tread while gathering and surfing relevant details for this article. Though all ranking members of CIPSMN approached, willingly, without promptings gave useful information on the issues, but pleaded anonymity. A middle aged member confessed that, “there are many irregularities, and infractions in the leadership, and running of CIPSMN but many choose to keep quiet because the few that tried it in times past were frustrated one way or the other.” Pressed further, he declared that, “the Institute is administered like the personal estate of two individuals; who are allegedly cousins. One functions, interchangeably as President or Registrar, and the other as National Coordinator for the North Central, and Head of Secretariat at the Abuja headquarters of the Institute.”

Obviously, unhappy with these developments, he concluded, “since 2007, there have been no Annual General Meetings, the interim executives have been there for close to two decades, no elections to pick new executive members, the Institute’s account has never been published, failure to publish or interpret the Institute’s Act since 2007, and many other clear activities that against the CIPSMN’s Act.” Since the Institute is a creation of Nigeria’s legislature, these allegations demand deeper inquisition. The maxim that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands should be applied here.

Back to the issue at hand. After detailed, and dispassionate extrapolation of CIPMN’s complaints, one can confidently conclude that BPP have not erred in any way. Further juxtaposition of the positions of both parties clearly confirms who is right, and who is wrong. Going forward, it is imperative for the leadership of CIPSMN to sheath its sword, and embrace peace with the BPP. No measure of browbeating, and shadow boxing can make the CIPSMN win this needless battle. In the interest of its members, the profession, and national development, the Institute must seek ways for mutually beneficial collaboration with the BPP.

It is imperative that both institutions, particularly CIPSMN take useful lessons from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, (ICAN), and Association of National Accountants in Nigeria, (ANAN) whose members benefit tremendously from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation. The Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA); Nigeria Institute of Architects, (NIA); Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Nigeria, (ESVN); and other bodies effectively collaborate with their professional “kith and kin” in public service for the growth of members and associations, and national development. The leadership of CIPSMN should disembark from its “entitlement mode” and embrace the realities towards deepening the relevance of the profession.

* NDAGI, Bello El-Sudi is a public policy analyst, and social commentator based in Abuja.j