THE Senate Committee on Public Procurement has ordered the immediate suspension of procurement processes for government agencies that have failed to honour its invitations, directing the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to enforce the directive without delay.
Olajide Ipinshagba, Chairman of the Committee, who issued the order during a press briefing at the National Assembly on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “blatant disregard for legislative authority and due process” by some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He said, “It has come to our attention that several agencies and institutions have repeatedly and unapologetically flouted our invitations to appear before the Committee. This lack of cooperation and blatant disregard for due process is unacceptable.”
The lawmaker made it clear that the oversight responsibilities of the Senate were not ceremonial but essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.
“Effective immediately, in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), I am directing that all procurement processes be suspended for agencies that fail to appear before this Committee,” Ipinshagba declared.
“We are committed to full compliance with the Public Procurement Act and will not hesitate to recommend disciplinary action, including penalties, against individuals or agencies who continue to show flagrant disregard for the law.”
He warned that any agency that continues to ignore the Senate’s oversight role would face serious consequences, urging public institutions to view cooperation as a civic and legal duty.
“Cooperation with the Senate Committee is not only a legal obligation, it is a civic duty to uphold the values of transparency, integrity, and service to the Nigerian people,” he said.
Senator Ipinshagba called on all MDAs to treat the Senate’s oversight functions with seriousness and reiterated that the Committee is committed to upholding the highest standards in public procurement.
