EXPERT CALLS FOR FULL DIGITALISATION OF NIGERIA’S PROCUREMENT SYSTEM

A supply chain management expert, Zechariah Ndiryiza, has urged the Federal Government to fully digitalise public procurement and supply chain processes to reduce corruption and improve transparency in government spending.

Ndiryiza said digital procurement systems could strengthen checks and accountability while reducing opportunities for price manipulation, favouritism and poor project delivery.

He made the call in Abuja after being certified as a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and as a Chartered Master Procurement Manager.

According to him, the government should move beyond policies and focus on consistent implementation and measurable results.

Ndiryiza also recommended investment in transport and storage infrastructure, stronger local supplier development and improved professional training for procurement and supply chain personnel.

He said the use of digital procurement platforms, open contract data, independent monitoring and sanctions for non-compliance could make it more difficult to manipulate project specifications, inflate prices or favour predetermined suppliers.

The expert identified logistics costs, inadequate infrastructure, foreign exchange volatility, limited local manufacturing capacity, fragmented data and weak end-to-end visibility as some of the challenges affecting Nigeria’s supply chain sector.

He, however, said increased investment in technology, infrastructure, professional capacity and local suppliers could create opportunities for economic growth and employment.

Ndiryiza also urged young Nigerians interested in the sector to develop skills in procurement regulations, data analytics, technology, negotiation, logistics, inventory and financial management, while maintaining high ethical standards.

Nigeria has already begun efforts to digitise parts of its public procurement system, including platforms developed by the Bureau of Public Procurement for procurement monitoring and open contract information.