DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), has called for greater adherence to the Public Procurement Act of 2007 in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for transparency and tougher sanctions for ethical violations in procurement processes. Speaking at the Commission’s ‘Arena of Knowledge’ lecture series, Argungu criticized common breaches such as contract splitting and inadequate oversight by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Argungu also addressed the issues of delays in procurement approvals, insufficient funding for capacity building, and the lack of operational control by the National Council on Public Procurement. To combat these challenges, he recommended elevating procurement authority, enhancing anti-corruption measures, and reducing political interference in procurement activities.
Mr. Aliyu Ahmad, Head of the Procurement Unit at the PSC, highlighted the potential of public procurement to boost economic activity, create jobs, and ensure efficient government spending, stressing the importance of openness, fairness, and accountability in the process.
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