Yemi Obafemi
The Federal Government has launched the Procurement Compliance Monitoring System (PICOMS), a digital platform aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in procurement processes within Nigeria’s education sector.
Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, announced the initiative during a capacity-building session for procurement officers at the National Universities Commission auditorium in Abuja.
According to the minister, delays in procurement procedures have slowed the implementation of key education projects, largely due to incomplete documentation, weak submissions and procedural lapses. He said strengthening procurement compliance is essential to ensure timely project delivery and proper management of public resources.
“To address these challenges, the Ministry has deployed PICOMS to manage procurement processes electronically, track submissions in real time and reduce approval timelines,” Alausa said.
He added that the system will be implemented across the ministry, as well as its agencies, commissions, parastatals and tertiary institutions.
Also speaking at the event, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Adebowale Adebukola Adedokun, highlighted recurring challenges in the procurement process, including incomplete documentation and weak procurement submissions.
The Ministry of Education said the introduction of PICOMS is part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficient project delivery across the education sector.
