By Mardiyyah Abubakar
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has strengthened its procurement planning and accountability framework with the inauguration of an 11-member Procurement Planning Committee.
The committee will help the institute identify and prioritise procurement needs, align them with approved programmes and budgets, and promote compliance with public procurement laws.
The Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, inaugurated the committee in Abuja and directed departments and units to submit their procurement requirements by October to allow adequate planning for the following year.
He maintained that early planning would help the institute manage its limited resources more effectively and efficiently
Sulaiman said NILDS faces competing demands because of its work with the National Assembly and other political institutions, making effective procurement planning essential to the delivery of its programmes.
“Departments should align their procurement needs with approved plans and budgets while properly incorporating unforeseen activities that may arise during the year”.
The DG also stressed the importance of market surveys before procurement, particularly for high-value items, to help the institute secure competitive prices and avoid unnecessary expenditure.
“The quality of our procurement planning would have a direct impact on the institute’s ability to deliver its programmes and achieve its mandate,” he said.
He urged committee members to bring professional expertise and objectivity to their work and ensure that procurement decisions comply with financial and legal requirements.
NILDS boss however, advised the Director of Finance and Accounts, legal adviser, internal auditors and other relevant professionals to play their respective roles in ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the procurement process.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mshelia Ibrahim thanked the DG and management for the confidence placed in the committee to achieve efficient service delivery.
Ibrahim gave assurance that the committee would work in line with established laws and procedures while ensuring that procurement decisions provide value for money.
He said NILDS had faced significant budgetary pressures over the past three years, with its budget remaining largely static since 2024 despite rising prices and increased programme activities.
Ibrahim tasked the committee to develop realistic procurement plans that reflect prevailing economic conditions and the institute’s available resources.
The 11-member committee comprises the Director-General as chairman, alongside representatives from finance and accounts, internal audit, administration and human resources, legal services, library, physical development and maintenance, corporate services and other relevant technical and professional units.
The committee is expected to work with departments, units and divisions to ensure that procurement requirements are identified early, properly prioritised and aligned with NILDS’s strategic priorities.
