The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) has cautioned the general public against practising procurement without its certification.
A statement signed by Dr. Abdul Mamman, North Central Coordinator, CIPSMN, said “Practicing procurement without CIPSMN certification is illegal, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both.”
This assertion was contained in a statement titled, “Clarifying Procurement Practice in Nigeria”.
The statement reads in full: “The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) wishes to remind the public and stakeholders of the following:
“Section 20 of the CIPSMN Act 2007 defines
“Purchasing and Supply professional” as any qualified member (of CIPSMN) who is into practice or EMPLOYED by ANY ORGANISATION, Ministry or corporation and engaged in purchasing, supply, PROCUREMENT, stores, logistics, materials or warehouse
management;”.
“Procurement is a profession and must be practiced by certified professionals.
“The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), created under the Public Procurement Act 2007, regulates procurement processes in Federal MDAs and issues Certificates of No Objection for contract awards.
“The BPP does not certify individuals or companies as procurement professionals; its role is limited to training support.
“By law, the CIPSMN Act 2007 vests the authority to train, certify, and regulate procurement professionals in Nigeria solely in CIPSMN.
“Practicing procurement without CIPSMN certification is illegal, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both.
“No guideline or policy from any agency can override the provisions of the CIPSMN Act, which is backed by the Constitution.
“CIPSMN calls on all practitioners—public and private—to register with the Institute to ensure compliance and uphold professional standards.”