Veterinary Council Begins Three-Day Procurement Compliance Workshop

 

"The initiative was designed to equip management staff with the knowledge and skills required for effective and transparent procurement management." Dr. Fadipe Oladotun, Acting Registrar of the VCN.

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has commenced a three-day intensive training programme on public procurement processes and procedures for its management staff as part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve service delivery, and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.

The training, themed “Understanding the Public Procurement Process and Procedure,” is aimed at enhancing participants' understanding of procurement laws, guidelines, and best practices in public sector administration.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Abuja, Acting Registrar of the VCN, Dr. Fadipe Oladotun, said the initiative was designed to equip management staff with the knowledge and skills required for effective and transparent procurement management.

According to him, despite the Council's exclusion from the federal budget over the past two years, it has remained committed to staff development and continuous professional training.

He stressed that investment in human capital remains a key priority for the Council, noting that improved staff capacity is critical to achieving institutional goals and delivering quality services.

Dr. Fadipe urged participants to fully engage in the training and apply the lessons learned to their daily responsibilities, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to global best practices in procurement processes.

Also speaking at the training, the Head of Research, Training and Strategic Planning at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Engr. Ojougboh Nelson, highlighted the importance of procurement compliance within public institutions.

He noted that Chief Accounting Officers must possess a thorough understanding of the Public Procurement Act and ensure strict adherence to its provisions in their respective organizations.

Engr. Ojougboh explained that the Bureau's mandate includes regulating, monitoring, and overseeing public procurement activities to promote value for money, transparency, fairness, and accountability in the utilization of public funds.

During the training, participants received extensive lectures on procurement capacity building, procurement implementation processes, stakeholder engagement, and complaint and administrative review procedures under the Public Procurement Act.

The procurement clinic is expected to enhance the competence of management staff, strengthen institutional compliance with procurement regulations, and improve the overall efficiency of procurement operations within the Veterinary Council of Nigeria.

The programme forms part of the Council's broader efforts to institutionalize best practices and reinforce accountability in public sector governance.