Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fens Properties Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michael Udofia, has described procurement as the heartbeat of governance, calling for sweeping reforms to reposition the sector as a critical pillar of national development.
Udofia, who spoke over the weekend at the International Procurement Day 2025 organised by the University of Port Harcourt, said procurement has moved beyond administrative formalities to become a frontline battlefield for transparency, innovation, and economic progress.
Delivering his keynote address as Special Guest of Honour on the theme, "Unlocking National Value: The Power of a Good Procurement System," he emphasized that a well-structured procurement process serves as an engine room for sustainable development and public sector efficiency.
"A well-designed procurement process is a nation's engine for development, innovation, and integrity," Udofia stated, adding that ethical procurement practices foster public trust and drive national prosperity.
He cited the London 2012 Olympics and Estonia’s e-Procurement revolution as clear examples of how adherence to transparency and professionalism can transform national economies and governance structures.
"Nigeria’s own Due Process Mechanism, when effectively enforced, has saved billions of naira by eliminating inflated contracts and ghost projects," he noted.
Highlighting the broader benefits of a robust procurement system, Udofia listed trust-building, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, fair competition, risk mitigation, and legal compliance as key dividends.
Reflecting on the official theme of the event, "Flowchart of Procurement Processes: Unlawful Interference, Consequences and Punishment in the Eyes of the Nigerian Procurement Law," the Fens boss warned against illegal interference, stressing that compliance with procurement laws is a safeguard against systemic collapse.
"Compliance with the Public Procurement Act is not optional. It is the shield against systemic chaos and a safeguard for national stability," he warned.
Udofia maintained that effective procurement was critical to public service delivery, stressing that when procurement is ethical and swift, it leads to timely provision of life-saving equipment in hospitals, road infrastructure development, and improvements in education.
"Procurement is not just paperwork. It is the heartbeat of governance," he declared.
He further noted that globalization and digitalization had reshaped procurement operations, urging professionals in the sector to embrace continuous learning, innovation, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders to enhance transparency and accountability.
"Procurement professionals are not just administrators; we are architects of national destiny. Through strategic sourcing, ethical conduct, and sustainable practices, we build the economic backbone of nations," Udofia added.
He challenged procurement experts to uphold excellence, drive reforms, and demand the highest ethical standards at every stage of their practice.
Earlier, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, decried the erosion of opportunities for Nigerians to bid for public contracts, stressing the need to restore fairness and competitiveness to the system.
According to him, "Nigerians no longer have opportunities to bid for contractual opportunities. You must clearly define the basis upon which you judge bids before you commence. Every bidder must meet minimum eligibility standards or requirements," he said.
Adedokun commended the University of Port Harcourt for pioneering the celebration of International Procurement Day in the South-South region and urged other institutions to support ongoing reforms in the procurement sector.
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