By Alex Enebeli
Dr Adedokun Adebowale, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has urged procurement officers to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and accountability in public procurement.
Adebowale made the call on Wednesday in Enugu during the 6th National Conference of the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON).
Speaking on the future of the procurement profession, the BPP boss said technological innovation was rapidly transforming governance and business processes globally.
He stressed the need for procurement officers to equip themselves with relevant digital skills to remain effective.
“The future of procurement lies in Artificial Intelligence, big data and blockchain technologies. The question is, are you prepared for that tomorrow?” he asked.
He challenged participants to enrol in courses that would strengthen their capacity to utilise technology in carrying out procurement functions.
According to him, professional competence, leadership capacity and continuous learning are critical to sustaining reforms in the procurement sector.
Adebowale disclosed that the bureau was advancing the development and implementation of the National Procurement Officers Management System (NAPOMS), which he described as a foundational platform for procurement officers at the federal and state levels.
He said the system would enhance visibility, strengthen institutional protection and improve procurement management across government establishments.
The D-G also announced plans to launch an Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system to promote transparency, efficiency and accountability in public procurement processes.
He reminded public officers of their responsibility to publish all contract information on relevant government platforms, warning that failure to comply constituted a violation of procurement regulations.
He called on procurement practitioners to uphold the principles of fairness, openness and due process in the discharge of their duties.
He further stressed the need for greater professionalism within the sector, lamenting the presence of unqualified personnel occupying procurement-related positions.
According to him, only academically and professionally qualified officers should be allowed to continue working in procurement units.
He encouraged practitioners to pursue short-term training programmes and acquire new skills to meet the evolving demands of the profession.
Adebowale also highlighted government efforts to promote inclusiveness in public procurement.
He noted that at least seven per cent of public contracts were reserved for small and medium enterprises, women-owned businesses, youth-owned enterprises and persons with disabilities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Maureen Atuonwu
