The hidden heist: How procurement fraud is draining Nigeria’s economy
By Karen Adrije//Nigeria
In a symposium targeted at creating awareness in every sector of the economy government and private sectors saw a meeting of different stakeholders and civil service organisation’s coming together to sensitize and create awareness on the impact of fraudulent procurement activities and it’s impact on Nigerians and the economy at large.
The event which graced different private and non government organisation’s, sponsor’s and agencies such as PPDC public and private development center, UNODC united nations office on drugs and crime, Accountability lab Nigeria, Mac Arthur foundation and CIPE center for international private enterprise.
To kick start the event at the prestigious continental hotel Abuja Nigeria ladi Kwali conference center for the international Anti-corruption day 3rd of December 2024 was John D and Catherine T of Mac Arthur foundation in an opening welcome speech the co-sponsors of this event highlightened the roles of procurement fraud and it’s impact on the economy and it’s citizens citing lack of integrity by procurement thief’s, un-intelligent information and awareness, mismanagement of funds and budgets by corrupt individuals in private and government organisation’s.
To further shed light on the ills of procurement fraud is Dr Adekunle lukman of PPDC stated that the public needs to be sensitized, and the Nigerian government needs to do the needful by passing into law the freedom of information bill ( FOI) into law.
While CIPE center for international private enterprise in a speech delivered by Mrs Bola Aiyekan on how to curb procurement fraudulent activities in private and non-government organisation stated that corruption happens in procurement offices because their activities remains unchecked she buttressed the need for integrity, procurement regulation goals, efficiency, clarity, flexibility, shared responsibility with civic communities, investment capacity and transparency on inputs and outputs Analysis.
Head of e procurement of the Edo state government of Nigeria Ezekiel Obazele stated that implementing e procurement in the hem of affairs in Nigeria will help checkmate corrupt practices in the economy while Engr sanusi Yara of the Kaduna state government secondaired the motive by encouraging government agencies to integrate the inclusion of women gender based participation in procurement agencies in the government stating that a survey shows that only 50% of women are not as corrupt as their male counterparts in the system.
The event featured Accountability lab Nigeria having interactive sessions and open discussions which saw stakeholders and participant’s of the event share ideas on problem solving, key solutions, steps to implementing creative ideas and approach to enhance AI Artificial intelligence into our systems to promote integrity amongst others for sustainable growth and integrity amongst others through the Accountability lab of Nigeria.
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