FG procurement officers get 12-month ultimatum for certification

The Federal Government has mandated all Procurement Cadre officers to secure professional certification within a 12-month timeframe, or face limitations on their assignment to procurement roles. This directive, issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service on August 26, 2026, mandates the National Public Procurement Certification Programme (NPPCP) administered by the Bureau of Public Procurement, as the mandatory professional qualification for these officers.

The government asserts that this policy is part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing professionalism, competence, and accountability in the Federal Public Service, particularly in the management of public procurement.

The certification is designed to establish a unified professional competency standard for procurement officers, enhance their abilities in procurement planning, procedures, public procurement law, contract management, ethics, compliance, accountability, and value for money. Serving officers have until August 26, 2026, to obtain the required certification, with a six-month window to demonstrate progress during the transition period.

Officers may continue in their current roles or be redeployed if they can provide proof of enrollment in the certification program.

Possession of the certification will become mandatory for future deployments within the Procurement Cadre upon the expiration of the transition period. The Bureau of Public Procurement will collaborate with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service to offer technical guidance on the certification program, including the curriculum, certification levels, eligibility, examination arrangements, competency areas, and implementation framework.

All Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies have been instructed to inform their staff about the new policy and ensure strict compliance.