By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasised the importance of efficient procurement processes in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, said this at the opening of the Directorate of Procurement Fourth Quarter 2024 Procurement Seminar, on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the establishment of the Directorate of Procurement in 2015, had resulted in improved equipment holding, timely provisioning of operational and logistics items for all army operations.
The COAS added that the directorate had also helped in the provision of infrastructure to boost personnel’s welfare and working conditions.
He said the army would ensure that all operational, administrative, and logistics requirements were addressed through extensive needs assessment and efficient use of funds to effectively resource personnel for improved operational capabilities.
“We are implementing measures to ensure that funds for procurement purposes are promptly released to contractors and will also implement an effective monitoring process in our contract management.
“It is no news that our dear country faces economic challenges that have generally affected our procurement process.
“We are also mindful of the challenges our dear contractors face given the economic downturn and currency fluctuations.
“These have impacted optimal contract performance with incessant requests for variations from the affected contractors,” he said.
The COAS said the effect of Nigeria’s economic situation on foreign defence procurement, which was mainly affected by exchange rates, had also become an issue that required special consideration by stakeholders.
The objective of such consideration, according to him, would be to proffer solutions to ease the bottlenecks and improve the availability of foreign exchange in such defence procurement.
He said the theme for the seminar which is “Adapting to Nigeria’s Economic Fluctuations in Defence Procurement: Options for the Nigerian Army”, would provide pragmatic solutions and options for the army to address issues surrounding defence procurement.
“To the enemies of Nigeria, make no mistake about our resolve, as we have never been more prepared and committed to defending the Constitution and our dear country.
“We will continue to partner with the services and other security and intelligence agencies to decisively address all threats to Nigeria while ensuring a conducive atmosphere for economic prosperity to thrive,” he added.
In his remarks, the Director of Procurement (Army), Adeyinka Adereti, said the seminar was designed to sensitise stakeholders in the Nigerian army procurement system on emerging issues that impacted the procurement process.
Adereti said it would also provide a forum for the army procurement personnel to train while also availing a platform to exchange ideas with key stakeholders including registered contractors on contemporary procurement challenges.
He said the army had continued to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the effective procurement process, adding that it had strengthened operations and enhanced the overall force posture, enabling army to effectively carry out its assigned tasks. (NAN)