News Investigators/ The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has warned Heads of Public Tertiary Institutions against violating the public procurement act to ensure a transparent and efficient process.
The Director General, BPP, Adebowale Adedokun gave the warning during a meeting with the Minister of Education, Heads of federal tertiary institutions, agencies and procurement officers in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mr Adedokun stressed that due process must be followed henceforth in procurement procedures and contract implementation, adding that any principal officer found wanting would be sanctioned.
In a presentation entitled “Procurement Procedures, Breaches, Sanctions and the Payment Process”, he highlighted some key areas of the act which include getting approval for projects before commencement and the consistent use of a particular contractor for projects.
He recounted several cases where officers were arrested or investigated for failing to adhere to due process in contract implementation.
”Procurement connects citizens with government to deliver value and satisfaction. Any Naira spent without students’ benefit is misprocurement,” he emphasised.
The director-general announced series of new policy directives, including the mandatory use of the Nigerian Government Network (NGN) for internet services by universities.
He also announced the prohibition of unapproved spending of internally generated revenues and the requirement that all procurement plans, including donations and consultancy projects be submitted to BPP for approval.
He further said that vice-chancellors and other accounting officers would henceforth be personally liable for breaches of the Public Procurement Act.
”You cannot hide under any director. If a project fails, it is your responsibility,” he warned.
Similarly, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, urged the participants to ensure compliance to avoid breaking the law.
Mr Alausa directed all heads of tertiary institutions to establish full-fledged procurement departments to liaise with the BPP for a seamless process.
NAN