The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has commenced a three-day in-house training for its procurement officers and other relevant staff to familiarise them with global best practices in procurement.
The training, which runs from October 8th to 10th, 2024, at NASENI headquarters, aims to enhance the capacity of officers in procurement, accounting, audit, legal, media and planning sectors across the agency.
The executive vice chairman of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Halilu is set to deliver the keynote address, while the acting director-general of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Olusegun Omotola will officially declare the training open.
The programme is designed to ensure that NASENI adheres strictly to the 2007 Procurement Act and its related guidelines, enabling the agency to operate within the legal framework while making use of the most up-to-date procurement information. The focus is on aligning NASENI’s operations with current global procurement trends and practices.
NASENI’s director of procurement, Dr. Mohammed A. Mohammed highlighted the significance of the training, noting that it is tailored to the agency’s specific needs. He emphasised that the procurement processes in NASENI, which primarily involve science and engineering activities, differ from those in other sectors like raw materials or public works.
“Things are changing and you need to change with time. Technology is advancing globally, and capacity building is crucial,” Mohammed said. “Almost 75-80 per cent of NASENI’s activities are based on science and engineering. Our method of procurement is a bit different, so this training will build capacity in line with our specific needs.”
He further stressed the importance of continuous training in procurement, particularly with regard to the legal aspects, noting that officers must stay updated on global practices, including the latest World Bank guidelines. Ninety-five per cent of the training’s resource persons are from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), with which NASENI has a collaboration to strengthen the capacity of its officers.
Mr. Adekoya Olatunji, a consultant with the BPP, also lauded NASENI’s initiative, stating that the training would ensure strict adherence to the Procurement Act, allowing officers to perform their duties effectively.
The training covers key topics such as effective procurement practices, procurement planning, record-keeping procedures, contract agreements and implications of procurement decisions. These sessions are expected to foster a more efficient and legally compliant procurement system across NASENI.
