Abuja: Dr. Abdulrasheed Abdullahi, a procurement expert, highlighted the potential of electronic procurement (e-procurement) as a solution to the problem of duplicated constituency projects in Nigeria. E-procurement involves the centralized management of procurement and supply chain processes through online platforms, which cover the entire procurement lifecycle from sourcing and purchasing to invoicing and payment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abdullahi emphasized that the digital transformation of traditional procurement processes could ensure a seamless and transparent collation and implementation of projects. He noted that policy integration and coordination are crucial to avoid redundant efforts in procurement processes. E-procurement systems, being interconnected, can help identify and prevent duplicate projects, such as overlapping skill acquisition centers initiated by different lawmakers within the same constituency.
Abdullahi also advocated for sustainable procurement, which would give priority to environmental, social, and gender considerations. He pointed out the alignment of procurement practices with the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of considering economic, social, and environmental impacts in procurement decisions to achieve sustainability.
He elaborated on the concept of green public procurement, which prioritizes minimizing environmental impacts, and socially responsible public procurement, which considers factors like inclusivity for people with disabilities and gender equality. Abdullahi urged procurement officers to enhance their skills and adapt to modern sustainable procurement concepts to remain relevant and address existing issues in the sector.
Abdullahi warned that current manual-based processes are prone to errors, are time-consuming, and susceptible to corruption. He advised procurement professionals to improve their skills to align with the evolving landscape of e-procurement and sustainable procurement practices, as these innovations are integral to the future of the sector.