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

The visit was aimed at strengthening the existing working relationship between both institutions and deepening collaboration in the areas of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement processes.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Adedibu congratulated the Controller General on his appointment and commended his outstanding performance during his earlier service as Head of the Procurement Unit in the Federal Fire Service. He also acknowledged the Service’s compliance with affirmative procurement policies, noting that the inclusion of a female Deputy Controller General reflects a strong commitment to gender balance and inclusivity.

In his response, CGF Adeyemi appreciated the Director General for his continuous support and fatherly guidance. He explained that the visit was part of efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation between both agencies, noting the pivotal role of the BPP in promoting accountability and value-for-money in government procurement.

The Controller General stressed the need for enhanced capacity development through training and professional certification of procurement officers, and appealed for increased training opportunities for FFS personnel. He also highlighted that some projects awarded years ago have stalled due to funding gaps, and requested expert guidance from the BPP on effective strategies to ensure completion and fiscal discipline.

As part of his proposals, the CGF offered that the Federal Fire Service would conduct regular fire safety drills and awareness sessions for BPP staff, at no cost to the Bureau. He further suggested that fire safety certification should be included as a prerequisite in project approvals, ensuring that fire safety standards form part of every procurement plan to safeguard public assets and lives.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Adedibu commended the CGF’s initiative and preparedness, describing the Bureau as “the rudder steering the ship of public governance toward accountability.” He reaffirmed the BPP’s readiness to work closely with the FFS in areas such as training, compliance monitoring, and the integration of safety standards into procurement systems.

The Director General disclosed that the Bureau is currently reviewing its processes to align with contemporary realities and assured that it would continue to support the Service in line with the Public Procurement Act. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and professionalism within agencies to ensure full compliance and efficiency.

Dr. Adedibu also endorsed the CGF’s fire safety proposal, 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 requirements.