HEDA tasks Buhari on immediate composition of procurement council

Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately constitute the National Council on Public Procurement in compliance with the Public Procurement Act as a measure to stop interference of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in public procurement and contract approvals.

In a letter signed by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to the Nigerian leader, yesterday, the organisation said due to non-composition of the council, FEC, headed by the President, has unconstitutionally usurped its duties and responsibilities.

The Public Procurement Act 2007 was enacted to primarily curb procurement frauds in government, and reduce to the barest minimum, politicians’ involvement in contract awards and procurement in a bid to engender accountability in the entire process.

HEDA said it is important to adhere strictly to provisions of the law.

Similarly, the group, in another correspondence, implored Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Isa Shuaibu Lau, to ensure full compliance with Section 17 of the PPA, which provides for approving authorities for contract awards, as well as Parastatals Tenders Board (PTB) and Ministerial Tenders Board (MTB).