The legislative house also advised the Ministries, Department and Agencies of government against violation of the Public Procurement Act.
The House Committee Chairman on Public Procurement, Unyime Idem gave the warning in Abuja on Monday at a public hearing on a bill, titled “A bill for an Act to amend the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Act 2007″ to amend the 2007 Public Procurement Act.
The bill is to be in tandem with what is obtained in the procurement professional practice across the globe and for related matters.
Idem said, “I want to sound a note of warning to all government entities that are in the habit of dishonouring parliamentary invitations to kindly desist from such deviant behaviour.
“Failure to do so, the Committee will not hesitate to invoke its legislative powers by Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution,” among others.
This, according to him includes possible legal action to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the nation’s democratic institutions.
He said that the bill is considered a priority because of its importance in shaping professionals in the field of purchasing and supply chain management in Nigeria.
He added that this includes the development of high-standard professional skill, ability and integrity among all those engaged in procurement practice.
Others, he said, include value for money and efficiency in the procurement of works, goods and services within the MDAs as stipulated in the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
Idem reiterated the commitment of the committee to uphold the legal and institutional framework for the enthronement of transparency and accountability while stressing strict adherence and due process compliance to avoid legal repercussions and ensure the efficient and ethical utilisation of public resources
Earlier, the Secretary, Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Dr. Abdul Maman decried the attempt by the Bureau of Public Procurement to subvert due process.
Similarly, the Director of Civil Infrastructure, BPP, Bello Nasir faulted some of the claims by the institute, adding that certain clauses should not be considered for amendment
NAN
