The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Dr. Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, led a management delegation on a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebimpe Adebowale Adedibu, at the Bureau’s headquarters in the Central Business District, Abuja.

The visit aimed to deepen inter-agency collaboration and strengthen existing ties between both institutions, with a focus on promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement processes.

In his welcome address, Dr. Adedibu congratulated the Controller General on his appointment and lauded his commendable performance during his previous tenure as Head of Procurement in the Federal Fire Service. He also praised the Service’s adherence to inclusive procurement policies, particularly the appointment of a female Deputy Controller General, describing it as a testament to FFS’s commitment to gender balance and equity.

Responding, CGF Adeyemi expressed appreciation to the Director General for his continued support and mentorship. He noted that the visit underscored the importance of institutional cooperation between both agencies, acknowledging the pivotal role of the BPP in ensuring accountability and value-for-money in government procurement.

The Controller General emphasized the need for capacity development through training and professional certification for procurement officers. He requested more training opportunities for FFS personnel and highlighted the need for expert advice on stalled projects caused by funding gaps to promote fiscal discipline and project completion.

As part of his proposals, CGF Adeyemi offered that the Federal Fire Service would organize periodic fire safety drills and awareness programmes for BPP staff at no cost to the Bureau. He further suggested that fire safety certification be made a mandatory component of all procurement approvals to safeguard public assets and lives.

In his remarks, Dr. Adedibu commended the Controller General’s proactive initiatives, describing the Bureau as “the rudder steering the ship of public governance toward accountability.” He reaffirmed the BPP’s readiness to collaborate with the FFS on training, compliance monitoring, and the integration of safety standards into procurement systems.

The Director General disclosed that the Bureau is currently reviewing its operational frameworks to align with emerging realities and pledged continued support for the Federal Fire Service in line with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. He emphasized the value of professionalism and teamwork among government agencies in achieving full compliance and efficiency.

Dr. Adedibu also endorsed the CGF’s proposal on fire safety integration, announcing that all BPP-organized programmes would henceforth include a five to ten-minute fire safety session, while the FFS compliance checklist would be considered for inclusion in BPP’s standard procurement requirements.