Nigeria’s public procurement system has faced significant challenges, including the lack of professionalization of procurement functions. The 2013 Nigerian Procurement Value Chain Analysis (NPVCA) and subsequent audits revealed that weak public procurement performance stems from the insufficient skills and knowledge of officials. As a result, the Nigerian government collaborated with the World Bank on the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards (SPESSE) project to improve procurement standards. One of the core outputs of this initiative is the development of a national procurement certification framework.
This certification framework aims to professionalize procurement functions across both public and private sectors. It is built on a competency framework that defines the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful procurement. The certification levels are aligned with global standards, particularly the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), ensuring that Nigerian procurement professionals meet international benchmarks.
The certification is divided into four tiers: Public Procurement Associate, Public Procurement Professional, Advanced Public Procurement Professional, and Fellow Public Procurement Professional. Each tier corresponds to increasing levels of responsibility and expertise, ranging from basic procurement understanding to expert-level leadership. Certification under this scheme will be mandatory for public procurement practitioners, ensuring that all personnel involved in procurement meet the required professional standards. This initiative is expected to enhance public procurement efficiency, reduce corruption, and improve compliance with national and international regulations, ultimately contributing to better governance and public expenditure management in Nigeria.