Fens CEO Insists on Ethical Procurement Process to Unlock National Value The Managing Director/CEO of Fens Properties Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michael Udofia, has called for a national reawakening to the transformative power of ethical and efficient procurement systems, describing procurement as the “frontline battlefield for national development and integrity.” Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the International Procurement Day 2025, organized by the University of Port Harcourt over the weekend, Udofia emphasized that procurement is not merely an administrative process but a strategic driver of economic growth, innovation, and public trust. “A well-designed procurement process is a nation’s engine for development, innovation, and integrity,” he declared. Speaking on “Unlocking National Value: The Power of a Good Procurement System,” Udofia cited global examples to underscore his point. He referenced the London 2012 Olympics and Estonia’s revolutionary e-Procurement system as evidence that transparency and professionalism in procurement directly correlate with national prosperity. He further noted that “Nigeria’s own Due Process Mechanism, when enforced, has saved billions by eliminating inflated contracts and ghost projects,” stressing that the gains of a strong procurement system include building trust, enhancing efficiency, ensuring cost-effectiveness, promoting fair competition, mitigating risks, and strengthening legal compliance. Reflecting on the event’s official theme, “Flowchart of Procurement Processes: Unlawful Interference, Consequences and Punishment in the Eyes of the Nigerian Procurement Law,” Udofia warned against tampering with procurement standards. “Compliance with the Public Procurement Act is not optional. It is the shield against systemic chaos and a safeguard for national stability,” he maintained. He further stressed that effective procurement is critical to public service delivery, maintaining that when procurement is swift and ethical, hospitals receive life-saving equipment, schools are supplied with necessary learning materials, and roads are fixed faster. “Procurement is not just paperwork; it is the heartbeat of governance,” he asserted. Addressing broader industry challenges, Mr. Udofia highlighted that globalization and digitalization have reshaped procurement landscapes, requiring greater agility, technological competence, and resilience. He urged procurement professionals to embrace continuous upskilling, technological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance sector-wide efficiency and accountability. “Procurement professionals are not just administrators; we are architects of national destiny. Through strategic sourcing, ethical conduct, and sustainable practices, we build the economic backbone of nations,” he charged. Udofia challenged the procurement community to uphold excellence, drive innovation, and enforce transparency at every level. “Let’s be the professionals who demand and deliver the highest standards every day, every contract, every nation,”* he declared. Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, lamented the current difficulties Nigerians face in accessing contractual opportunities. “Nigerians no longer have opportunities to bid for contractual opportunities. You must clearly define the basis upon which you judge bids before you commence. Every bidder must meet minimum eligibility standards,” he advised. Dr. Adedokun also commended the University of Port Harcourt for leading the South-South region in hosting an International Procurement Day and encouraged other institutions to embrace ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the procurement sector.