Tinubu’s reforms restore global faith in Nigeria, draws foreign pros to local certification – Shettima
Abdullateef Fowewe
Vice President Kashim Shettima has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms as a game-changer, restoring international confidence in Nigeria and attracting foreign professionals to its professional certification programs.
Speaking at the inaugural convocation of the Professionals’ Certification Programme in procurement at the Presidential Villa’s old banquet hall, Shettima, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, described the graduation of 2,100 certified professionals from Nigeria and abroad as a “milestone” under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“On this day, we commemorate the 2,100 certified procurement professionals from Nigeria and around the globe. This is far from a trivial accomplishment. It implies that the global community is beginning to have faith in Nigeria’s reform endeavours, the program’s credibility, and the gravity of its content,” Shettima stated.
He highlighted how the participation of foreign professionals signals Nigeria’s shift from mediocrity, “The fact that professionals from foreign countries have elected to participate in this inaugural cohort is a clear indication that Nigeria is no longer satisfied with mediocrity in procurement practices, but is instead consciously establishing itself as a benchmark on the continent and beyond.”
Shettima repositioned procurement as central to governance, moving beyond past abuses.
“When procurement fails, development fails. People are adversely affected when procurement is not documented,” he said, adding that under Tinubu’s administration, it serves as “the engine room of development,” shaping infrastructure like roads, hospitals, and schools.
Addressing the graduands as pioneers, he urged integrity: “Stewards of value for money and custodians of public trust, you are. Let your conscience be guided by your certification. Your practice should be defined by integrity. Your compass should be the loyalty of one’s country.”
The event drew support from key figures. Senate Committee Chairman on Procurement, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, pledged National Assembly backing and called for ethical standards to drive national transformation.
Bureau of Public Procurement Director General Dr Adebowale Adedokun announced President Tinubu’s approval for deploying community-based procurement officers nationwide to align with global best practices.
National Project Coordinator Dr Joshua Attah noted the SPESSE Project’s impact, including training over 40,000 via Centres of Excellence.
World Bank’s Chief Procurement Officer, Hiba Tahboub, praised Nigeria’s commitment, urging African peers to follow suit: the program has turned “an early vision into structured certification.”
Shettima congratulated the BPP, SPESSE team, World Bank, and partners, calling the milestone a step toward stronger institutions and public trust.
