In a significant move to uphold professional standards, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) has formally requested the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate and prosecute members and trustees of the Procurement Professionals Association of Nigeria (PPAN). The institute alleges sustained illegal practices and a subversion of its statutory mandate.
Legal Breaches and Misrepresentation Alleged
In a petition dated 16 January 2026, the Registrar and Chief Executive of CIPSMN, Prof. Mohammed Aliyu, detailed the grievances. He stated that CIPSMN was established by the CIPSMN Act of 2007 as the sole statutory body empowered to regulate, train, certify, and control the practice of procurement, purchasing, and supply chain management in Nigeria.
Aliyu asserted that it has come to the institute's attention that PPAN, its trustees, and certain public office holders have engaged in illegal activities, misrepresentation, and a direct challenge to CIPSMN's lawful authority. He emphasized that none of the PPAN members or trustees are registered with CIPSMN, a fundamental requirement under the law.
Citing the Act: Exclusive Mandate to Regulate
The petition meticulously references specific sections of the 2007 Act to bolster its case for exclusive regulatory authority:
- Section 1(1)(c) grants CIPSMN the right to provide training and examination for professional procurers.
- Section 5(11) outlines the process for obtaining a practicing certificate as a 'chartered procurer'.
- Section 11(8) mandates that foreign purchasing professionals residing in Nigeria must register with CIPSMN.
- Section 20 defines a purchasing and supply professional as any qualified member engaged in procurement, logistics, or warehouse management.
Most critically, Section 16(2) and 16(5) state that any person not registered with CIPSMN who practices or presents themselves as a member is guilty of an offence. This liability extends to directors or officers of corporate bodies involved in such infractions.
A Call for ICPC Intervention
Prof. Aliyu expressed confidence that the ICPC would uphold the rule of law and protect statutory institutions from subversion. He urged the anti-graft commission to give the petition urgent and decisive attention.
"We are prepared to provide all necessary documents, witnesses, and further clarifications to aid your investigation," Aliyu stated, underscoring the institute's commitment to seeing the matter through. The move highlights an ongoing turf war and a critical effort to cleanse the procurement profession of entities operating outside the legal framework established by the Nigerian government.
