FG procurement officers get 12-month ultimatum for certification

The Federal Government has issued a 12-month ultimatum for officers in the Procurement Cadre to obtain mandatory professional certification or face restrictions in their roles. This directive, issued on August 26, 2026, was sent to ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of federal agencies and senior government officials. The National Public Procurement Certification Programme, managed by the Bureau of Public Procurement, will become the new standard for certification.

The government aims to enhance professionalism, competence and accountability in public procurement. Serving officers have until August 26, 2027, to obtain the certification, which will be required for deployment to procurement positions. The transition period allows affected officers to enroll in the certification program while continuing their current roles.