The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has commenced a three-day in-house training for procurement officers and other key staff on global best practices in procurement. The training, taking place from October 8th to 10th at NASENI Headquarters, aims to strengthen the capacity of procurement and other relevant officers in the agency’s system-wide operations, ensuring compliance with international standards.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, will deliver the keynote address, while the Acting Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Olusegun Omotola, is scheduled to officially declare the training open. Participants include officers from various departments such as Accounts, Audit, Legal, Media, and Planning, among others, all of whom are involved in procurement activities across NASENI.
The training is aligned with NASENI’s commitment to adhering to the 2007 Procurement Act, ensuring that the agency stays on the right path regarding procurement matters. Speaking ahead of the event, NASENI’s Director of Procurement, Dr. Mohammed A. Mohammed, emphasized the need for officers to keep up with the rapid changes in technology and global procurement practices.
“Almost 75-80% of NASENI’s activities are rooted in science and engineering, so our procurement processes differ slightly from other sectors like works or raw materials. This training will ensure that officers are equipped to cope with these specific needs and continue building capacity in line with NASENI’s mandate,” Dr. Mohammed said.
He further highlighted the importance of continuous capacity building, noting that procurement is governed by laws, and officers must stay updated on the latest standards and procedures. Dr. Mohammed added that NASENI is following the global standard operating procedures, including the World Bank’s new version on procurement, to remain competitive and efficient.
The training will cover various topics, including effective procurement practices, procurement planning, record-keeping procedures, and contract agreements. The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will provide 95% of the resource persons for the training, reflecting the strong collaboration between NASENI and BPP in building the agency’s procurement capacity.
BPP Consultant, Mr. Adekoya Olatunji, praised NASENI for organizing the training, stating that it would ensure officers adhere to the Procurement Act and enhance their operational efficiency.