Pooled Procurement Workshop: A Step Towards Revolutionizing Nigeria's Procurement Landscape

Discover how the pooled procurement workshop went in Nigeria.

On May 30, 2024, the NAF Conference Centre and Suites in Abuja, Nigeria, buzzed with the energy and enthusiasm of professionals from across the procurement sector. Hosted in partnership with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Nigeria, the Pooled Procurement Workshop aimed to revolutionize procurement practices within the country. The event gathered key stakeholders, industry experts, and passionate professionals committed to enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in procurement.

A Warm Welcome and Opening Remarks

The day began with registration and networking, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas. The workshop officially started with a welcome from Alan Martin, CIPS Head of Procurement Excellence Programme, who highlighted the objectives of the workshop and the significant role of pooled procurement in transforming the procurement landscape.

In a bid to boost the healthcare sector, the Federal Ministry of Health assured Nigerians of an effective health supply procurement to enhance service delivery in the interest of all citizens. The Minister of Health, Mohammed Ali Pate, who made the call at the workshop, emphasized the essence of building a reliable and efficient health supply chain. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Kachallom Daju, the Minister mentioned that the 2024 appropriation budget aims to improve healthcare outcomes by ensuring the provision of quality healthcare infrastructure and equipment for affordability and access for all Nigerians. He stressed that several policies and strategies have been introduced to strengthen product procurement and supply chains in line with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda for the health system.

Insightful Presentations and Discussions

Chukwudi Uche, HPA Country Programme Manager, introduced the CIPS HPA programme and set the stage for a series of enlightening presentations and discussions. Notable dignitaries, including the Hon. Minister for Health & Social Welfare, representatives from BMGF, DG-BPP, DFDS, NAFDAC, PCN, WHO, WB, and various state representatives, shared their goodwill messages and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in procurement.

Julius Oni, a CIPS Procurement Expert, provided an overview of the pooled procurement mechanism, discussing its global, national, and sub-national perspectives. This session offered attendees a comprehensive understanding of the concept and its potential benefits.

Adebowale Adedokun, BPP’s Director of Planning, Research, and Strategic Planning, followed with an insightful presentation on the enablers of pooled procurement within the Nigerian context. His expertise shed light on the key factors that can drive successful implementation.

Case Studies and Implementation Strategies

A highlight of the workshop was the presentation on implementation strategies for pooled procurement by Mirabel Okafor and Zachary Kariuki, both CIPS Procurement Experts. Their detailed analysis, complemented by a case study example, provided practical insights into executing pooled procurement effectively.

Additionally, lessons learned from implementing pooled procurement in Kaduna and Nasarawa were shared by Mansur Halidu, KADHSMA Procurement Manager, and Adams Hayatudeen, Senior Manager Procurement, NASDSMA. These real-world examples underscored the tangible benefits and challenges of pooled procurement, offering valuable takeaways for other regions.

Interactive Panel Discussion: Ask the Expert Surgery

The afternoon session featured an interactive panel discussion where experts from various organizations, including BPP, NPSCMP-FMoH, and state BPPs, shared their diverse perspectives on pooled procurement practices. This "Ask the Expert Surgery" was instrumental in harvesting insights and building strategies for capacity building to support implementation.

Closing and Call to Action

The workshop concluded with a call to action and summary statement by Irobodu J. Omokhapue, HPA National Procurement Specialist, followed by closing remarks from Shillah Raymond, Communications and Community Manager at Health Procurement Africa. Chukwudi Uche delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their contributions to the event's success.

The Way Forward

As we reflect on this transformative day, it is clear that pooled procurement holds the potential to significantly enhance purchasing power by spreading procurement costs over a greater volume and variety of products. Moreover, it promises increased efficiency through the sharing of resources and streamlining of procurement processes.

The Minister of Health, Mohammed Ali Pate, highlighted that improving healthcare outcomes by ensuring the provision of quality healthcare infrastructure and equipment is a priority in the 2024 budget. This workshop and similar initiatives play a crucial role in achieving these goals.

We look forward to continuing this journey towards excellence in procurement, driven by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact. The BPP, represented by Mamman Ahmadu, Director General, emphasized the importance of discussing, sharing best practices, and agreeing on innovative healthcare procurement and supply chain strategies. The commitment to strengthening the healthcare system is in line with the president’s renewed hope agenda for health.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the Pooled Procurement Workshop. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more efficient future in procurement.

Join our movement and lets change the healthcare in Africa www.healthprocurementafrica.org.