By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have agreed to work in synergy with a view to preventing corruption in order to improve common services to better the lives of Nigerians.
The Director General, BPP, Mamman Ahmadu FNIQS during the recent visit to the Chairman EFCC, Ola Olukoyede in his office in Abuja requested for collaboration in the area of investigating issues with contract awards since the two organisations are doing the work with different references.
The Deputy Director, Information & PR/Head Media at the BPP, Janet McDickson in a statement issued in Abuja, quoted the DG as saying, “There are 3 Cs, that are vital to any successful management, which are Commitment, Collaboration and Coordination. Thus, the need for collaboration informed the BPP’s visit—to EFCC’s Office. ”
According to him, “We should be seen to be working hand in hand” The Bureau he said, is poised to releasing any procurement information at its disposal that could aid the EFCC in its investigative work.
He said that, the Bureau’s officers are very committed in handling all procurement processes and will continue to work hard to save cost in the interest of Nigerians.
He prayed that, Nigeria would get it right as everyone strives to add value to governance and improve the quality of lives of all. This, he said, is the policy thrust of this administration.
The Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, while welcoming the DG and his team to his office, said nobody could win the battle alone; hence, all hands must be on deck for the fight against corruption.
He also drew the attention of some lapses in the Public Procurement Act that need to be amended
He pointed out that , “As a public officer, remember that one day you may be called upon to give account on certain issues, hence the need for all government employees to be more prudent and accountable in their dealings.
The Chairman counselled that, Public Procurement Act should be amended particularly in the area of prosecution of procurement related offences. Pointing out that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration must be supported to ensure that Nigerians are better for it.
L-R: Director-General, BPP, Mamman Ahmadu, FNIQS 2nd left, Chairman, Economic & Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, 5th right, some BPP & EFCC management in a group photograph during the Bureau visit to EFCC
