Emmanuel Daudu
In a strategic move to enhance transparency and efficiency, the Ministry of Defence recently organized a three-day technical seminar focusing on procurement audits, e-Procurement, Performance Management Systems (PMS), and Enterprise Content Management (ECM) for its procurement staff.
The training, which aims to strengthen internal controls and streamline procurement processes, underscores the Ministry’s commitment to ethical and effective resource management.
The seminar was inaugurated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, who was represented by the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Abdulrahman Suleiman.
In his address, Dr. Kana emphasized the importance of the seminar, describing it as a platform to uplift staff morale and operational performance across procurement activities. He noted that the topics addressed in the training encapsulate the core pillars of public procurement, which encompass people, paperwork, and processes.
“The title of this seminar is both timely and relevant. At the Ministry of Defence, we meticulously assess every component of public procurement, prioritizing economy, efficiency, fairness, reliability, and ethical standards,” Dr. Kana stated, highlighting the Ministry’s focus on establishing robust procurement practices that align with international best practices.
Earlier Mr. Otalike Peter Yahaya, the Acting Director of Procurement, , emphasized that the training is designed to familiarize participants with top-tier practices in procurement audits and investigations.
“This seminar equips our staff with the necessary tools for effective internal control, enabling us to expedite the purchasing process while ensuring cost-effectiveness,” he said.
Yahaya also outlined the anticipated impact of the Performance Management System in assessing employees’ skills and strengths, which, in turn, enhances overall departmental efficiency.
The seminar saw active participation from several Ministry Directors, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing a culture of accountability and excellence within its ranks.
This advanced training initiative marks a significant step in fortifying the Ministry’s procurement operations, setting new standards for transparency and accountability in the public sector.