Corruption in the procurement process has affected the efficiency of public spending and the opportunities to improve quality of lives of Nigerians, Alhaji Bala Kaoje, a former Minister has said.
Kaoje, a former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, also said that corruption in the procurement process accounts for over 70 per cent of the government’s total budget.
The former minister spoke at the induction of new members and fellows of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) on Saturday in Abuja.
He said: “In Nigeria, corruption affects the efficiency of public spending and the opportunities to improve quality of life of the citizens.
“Due to the importance of a good procurement system in governance, Nigeria had the first Procurement Act in 2007 which provides for the harmonisation of existing government policies and practices on public procurement.
“It is to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in procurement process, which if judiciously practiced will reduce corruption in the country to the barest minimum.
“The institute is today showcasing yet another batch of professionally chartered members of the procurement and supply chain management personnel.
“They will contribute in no small measure toward the prevention of corruption in procurement and development of our country.”
Kaoje, also a former President, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, said that the World Bank had equally called on all member states to adopt transparent measures in public sector budgeting and expenditures.
(News Express)
