A total of 1,100 participants will be trained in batches, starting with 350, as the Petroleum Technology Development Fund begins hosting the 2025 Mandatory Public Procurement Capacity Development Training organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement at the Centre for Skills Development and Training in Port Harcourt. The opening ceremony brought together key government officials, including the representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Barr. Olusegun Adeyemi Adekunle; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri; PTDF Executive Secretary, Mr. Ahmed Galadima Aminu; and BPP Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun.
Speaking at the event, the PTDF Executive Secretary said the training marked the first official activity at the Centre ahead of its commissioning. He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to building capacity across the country, noting that PTDF had already trained over 15,000 Nigerians, upgraded 26 universities, established 214 ICT centres, and expanded STEM education nationwide. He described these achievements as part of the Fund’s contribution to national development.
The BPP Director-General highlighted the importance of competence, integrity, and due process in the procurement system. He explained ongoing reforms, including revised thresholds, improved audits, the adoption of NOCOPO-driven e-procurement, and collaborations to boost local capacity under the Nigeria First initiative.
Sen. Lokpobiri commended the efforts that led to the completion of the Centre, calling it a reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The SGF’s representative also stressed that procurement remains key to transparency and value for money before declaring the programme open.
