The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has called on Federal Permanent Secretaries to provide stronger leadership in public procurement, describing transparency, accountability and efficiency as critical to effective budget implementation and national development.
Speaking at the opening of the Retreat for Federal Permanent Secretaries in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the HCSF said procurement remains the vital bridge between government policies, budget allocations and the delivery of essential public services.
The retreat, organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, is themed “Strengthening Procurement Leadership and Accountability for Effective Budget Execution and National Development.” It brings together Permanent Secretaries, Directors of Procurement and other key stakeholders to strengthen procurement governance and address challenges affecting public sector performance.
Walson-Jack reminded Accounting Officers of their statutory responsibility to ensure transparency, competition, efficiency and value for money in line with the Public Procurement Act and other existing regulations.
She also urged public sector leaders to embrace innovation, including public-private partnerships and alternative financing models, while ensuring strict compliance with due process and accountability.
According to her, procurement decisions have direct consequences on citizens waiting for roads, hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure, making it imperative for public officials to prioritise integrity and efficiency in every stage of the procurement process.
She encouraged participants to use the retreat to exchange practical ideas and develop strategies that would strengthen procurement systems across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Declaring the retreat open, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, commended the Bureau of Public Procurement for advancing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted initiatives such as revised procurement thresholds, the “Nigeria First” policy and the establishment of zonal offices as measures aimed at improving public procurement.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to infrastructure development, fiscal discipline and people-centred governance.
Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, said ongoing reforms, including the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) platform, contractor classification and the “Nigeria First” policy, have improved transparency and accountability while generating significant savings for the Federal Government.
Participants are expected to adopt practical measures that will strengthen procurement leadership, enhance accountability and improve budget execution across the Federal Public Service.