Addressing CIPSMN’s Concerns About BPP’s Training and Certification Mandate

By Sufuyan Ojeifo

The Legal Basis for BPP’s Mandate

Recent discussions surrounding the Bureau of Public Procurement’s (BPP) training and certification programs have sparked debate about its relationship with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN). However, a careful examination of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) of 2007 reveals that the BPP is operating well within its legal boundaries.

The Act provides clear authority for the BPP’s current initiatives:

• Section 5(c) empowers the Bureau to certify federal procurement prior to contract awards
• Section 5(k) mandates training programs for procurement professionals
• Section 5(s) authorizes capacity-building initiatives

Distinct Roles in Nigeria’s Procurement Ecosystem

Contrary to some interpretations, the BPP’s certification framework through the Nigeria Procurement Certification Platform isn’t an attempt to replace CIPSMN’s role. The two institutions serve complementary but distinct functions in Nigeria’s procurement landscape.

The BPP focuses specifically on public procurement within government agencies, emphasizing:

• Public interest considerations
• Compliance with national standards
• Value-for-money principles

Meanwhile, CIPSMN maintains its broader mandate to regulate the procurement profession across all sectors.

International Partnerships Strengthening Local Capacity

The BPP’s collaboration with global institutions like the World Bank and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS-UK) under the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project represents a strategic effort to:

• Introduce international best practices
• Enhance technical capabilities
• Build system-wide credibility

These partnerships align with Nigeria’s broader goals to modernize its public procurement systems and improve transparency.

Clarifying Institutional Relationships

Some commentators have questioned the BPP’s relationship with the Federal Government. It’s important to clarify that the Bureau operates under the Presidency, as explicitly outlined in the PPA 2007. Unlike constitutionally autonomous bodies like INEC or ICPC, the BPP was designed to:

• Advise the President on procurement matters
• Implement federal procurement policies
• Serve as a regulatory body within the executive framework

Moving Forward with Clarity

As Nigeria continues its procurement reform journey, it’s crucial that discussions remain grounded in legal provisions rather than institutional territorialism. The BPP’s certification program represents an important step toward:

• Professionalizing public procurement
• Enhancing institutional capacity
• Safeguarding public funds

By focusing on the shared goal of improved procurement practices, both the BPP and CIPSMN can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development objectives.

Sufuyan Ojeifo is a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor-in-Chief of THE CONCLAVE online newspaper.

Original source: Neptune Prime