House of Representatives Warns Officials Against Ignoring Parliamentary Invitations

• The House of Representatives warns government officials to heed parliamentary invitations or face legislative consequences, aiming to strengthen oversight in procurement processes.
• Honourable Unyime Idem, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement, emphasized the importance of compliance during a hearing on amending procurement laws to enhance transparency and accountability.
• The proposed amendments seek to bolster legal frameworks governing procurement across government agencies, aligning with efforts to combat corruption and promote efficiency as outlined in the Public Procurement Act of 2007.

House of Representatives Warns Officials Against Ignoring Parliamentary Invitations

The House of Representatives has issued a stern warning to government officials regarding their attendance at parliamentary invitations, asserting its readiness to enforce legislative measures against non-compliance.

Honourable Unyime Idem, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement, delivered the cautionary message during a Public Hearing on amending the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management Act 2007, held on Monday.

Idem emphasized that the committee will not hesitate to exercise its legislative authority against any officials who fail to honor parliamentary summons.

The committee clarified that the proposed bill aims to reinforce the legal and institutional framework necessary for promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the procurement processes of government entities, including Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Parastatals, as outlined in the Public Procurement Act of 2007.

Last August, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 14 of 2007, as part of efforts to combat corruption in public procurement. Additionally, the Institute advocated for certified procurement professionals to be permitted to practice in accordance with the CIPSMN Act 21 of 2007.