Fens CEO Says Procurement Heartbeat of Governance, Calls for Reforms
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fens Properties Nigeria Limited, a civil engineering firm, Mr Michael Udofia has called for a reawakening to the transformative power of ethical and efficient procurement systems in Nigeria.
Speaking over the weekend at the International Procurement Day 2025, organized by the University of Port Harcourt, Udofia described procurement as the “frontline battlefield for national development and integrity.”
Delivering his remarks as Special Guest of Honour on the theme “Unlocking National Value: The Power of a Good Procurement System,” the Fens CEO said 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 noted.
Drawing on global examples, he highlighted the success of the London 2012 Olympics and Estonia’s revolutionary e-Procurement system as evidence that transparency and professionalism in procurement directly correlate with national prosperity.
“Nigeria’s own Due Process Mechanism, when enforced, has saved billions by eliminating inflated contracts and ghost projects,” Udofia noted. He listed other benefits of a strong procurement system to include trust-building, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, fair competition, risk mitigation, and legal compliance.
Alluding to 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 unlawful interference in procurement processes. “Compliance with the Public Procurement Act is not optional. It is the shield against systemic chaos and a safeguard for national stability,”.
He explained that effective procurement is critical to public service delivery, maintaining that when procurement is swift and ethical, hospitals receive life-saving equipment, roads are fixed faster, and education is strengthened. “Procurement is not just paperwork; it is the heartbeat of governance.” He added.
Addressing the broader challenges and opportunities facing procurement professionals, Mr. Udofia noted that globalization and digitalization have reshaped the landscape, demanding greater agility, technological competence, and resilience. He called on practitioners to avail themselves for continuous upskilling, innovation, and strong collaboration with stakeholders thus enhance efficiency and accountability in procurement operations.
In his words “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.”
The Fens Boss challenged the procurement community to uphold excellence, drive innovation, and enforce transparency at every level of practice. “Let’s be the professionals who demand and deliver the highest standards every day, every contract, every nation,” he concluded.
Earlier, the Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun regretted that Nigerians no longer have opportunities to bid for contractual opportunities.
“Nigerians no longer have opportunities to bid for contractual opportunities. You must clearly define the basis upon which you judge a bid before you commence. Every bidder must meet minimum eligibility standards or requirements”. He advised
He commended the University of Port Harcourt for being the first in the South South to organize an international procurement day and advised other institutions to key into ongoing reforms in the sector.