News
Every Kobo Spent on NTAC Scheme Benefits Nigerians – DG Yakub
…As NTAC Hosts Transition Ceremonies for 22 Volunteers to and 15 Others from The Gambia, Celebrates Achievements and Future Prospects
By Joel Ajayi
The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of all NTAC volunteers serving in various parts of the world under the agency’s biennial programme.
Yakub emphasized that every kobo spent on the scheme is an investment in Nigerians, as the programme not only enhances national image but builds human capital and promotes global development cooperation.
He made this known in a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi, on Friday, during a transition ceremony hosted at the NTAC headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, “President Tinubu is totally committed to the welfare of all volunteers. Every kobo spent in implementing the TAC programme is spent on Nigerians, wherever they are posted across the world to serve.”
The DG further stressed Nigeria’s growing recognition as a source of quality technical manpower and reaffirmed the country’s dedication to its foreign policy of development, cooperation, and international solidarity. “Nigeria is not lacking in the skills required for technical assistance to sister nations in Africa, the Caribbean, and Pacific regions,” he noted.
The occasion marked the joint transition of 15 returning volunteers who completed their two-year assignments at the University of The Gambia, and the formal deployment of 22 new volunteers embarking on similar missions.
Speaking at the event, Yakub commended both the outgoing and returning groups for their dedication and professionalism, highlighting the success of Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy strategy — especially the Development pillar under which NTAC operates.
He described the service rendered abroad not as a loss to Nigeria but a strategic gain in terms of international reputation, knowledge transfer, and professional development. Using a vivid metaphor, Yakub said, “When fish is raised in a river, it can only go so far. But in the ocean, it becomes a leader among its kind. You are ocean-bred now — go forward and lead.”
He likened the volunteers’ experience to an academic sabbatical, where they return more refined and prepared to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
To the returning volunteers, he expressed deep appreciation for their impact, noting notable achievements such as the establishment of the first Psychology programme at the University of The Gambia, the launch of a Department of Forestry, and the mentorship of the institution’s first MSc and PhD graduates.
Addressing the newly deployed team, Yakub charged them to serve with dignity, reminding them of their role as Nigerian ambassadors. He assured them of the Federal Government’s support through allowances and other welfare provisions, while the host country, in line with the Tripartite Country Agreement, would provide housing, utilities, and local transport.
He further advised them to maintain close communication with the Nigerian Embassy in The Gambia, assuring that any complaints or challenges would be swiftly addressed through the proper diplomatic channels.
In a heartfelt address, Professor Joseph Kur, team leader of the returning volunteers, thanked the Federal Government and NTAC for the opportunity to serve abroad. He described their two-year mission as rewarding and transformative, both professionally and personally. He noted with pride that all 15 volunteers returned safely and were each honored with Certificates of Excellent Service by the University of The Gambia.
Professor Abubakar Musa Kundiri, the team lead of the outgoing volunteers, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the NTAC leadership. He pledged that the 22 carefully selected professionals would serve with integrity and bring positive impact to their host institutions.
The event concluded with group photographs, symbolizing unity, transition, and NTAC’s enduring commitment to using technical expertise as a powerful tool for diplomacy, development, and national pride.
Business
Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management Advocates Digitisation of Procurement Processes, Rolls Out New Website
By Joel Ajayi
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) has unveiled a revamped website as part of its broader push to accelerate the digitisation of procurement processes across the country.
The relaunch was announced at the institute’s 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Wednesday in Abuja, where the North Central Coordinator of CIPSMN, Abdul Mamman, said the initiative would strengthen real-time information sharing, expand member participation and align the profession with global best practices.
Mamman warned that organisations and professionals who failed to embrace digital procurement risked being left behind in an increasingly technology-driven environment.
According to him, the upgraded website is designed to provide members with timely feedback, wider engagement and access to real-time information within and outside Nigeria.
“By adopting digital procurement systems and platforms, we create opportunities to save time and efficiently analyse large volumes of activities involved in procurement,” Mamman said.
“When you are digitalised, your coverage is wider and information is shared instantly. That is why we are relaunching our website—to ensure broader participation and enable every member to access real-time information.”
He added that the institute was positioning its members to meet global standards in procurement and supply chain management through the adoption of emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Mamman explained that the institute’s objective was to add value to procurement by promoting proper sourcing systems, relevant skills, recognised credentials and practical competence.
He also called on the Federal Government to strengthen procurement governance by inaugurating the National Council of Public Procurement, describing it as a critical policy-making body.
“We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to inaugurate the National Council of Public Procurement,” he said.
“Once inaugurated, the council will oversee procurement activities and report directly to the President, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.”
In his remarks, the President of CIPSMN, Alhaji Sikiru Balogun, said the AGM provided an opportunity to assess the institute’s progress and outline an action plan for 2026.
Balogun disclosed that a major priority for the coming year was securing presidential assent to a bill already passed by the National Assembly, seeking to amend the institute’s name from Purchasing and Supply Management to Procurement and Supply Management.
“The bill has been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. What we now seek is presidential assent,” he said.
“The name change is to align the institute with global best practices and reflect the true scope of the profession worldwide.”
Also speaking, the Registrar of the institute, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, described the 2025 AGM as successful, noting growing recognition of procurement as a critical driver of economic development.
Aliyu said the institute remained committed to promoting professionalism, ethical conduct and best practices in procurement, a sector he noted accounts for a significant portion of the national budget.
He called for stricter professionalism in the sector, lamenting what he described as the encroachment of unqualified “mid-career professionals” into procurement roles.
“This is not ideal and is unethical,” he said.
“Our focus in the coming year is to ensure that the profession takes its rightful place, with qualified practitioners occupying procurement positions in both the public and private sectors.”
Aliyu expressed confidence that strengthening professionalism in procurement would support the economic reform agenda of the Tinubu administration and enhance transparency and efficiency in public spending.
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