Public Funds: CSCHEI Sets Up Watchdog Team On Procurement

To strengthen transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s procurement process, a United Nations-accredited civil society group, the Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), has inaugurated a national watchdog committee to monitor public funds usage.

The director-general of CSCHEI, Hon. Kunle Yusuff, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, said the move was part of efforts to end the era of exploiting technical loopholes to divert public funds.

“This committee will prioritise transparency and accountability in public procurement. The era of exploiting technicalities to divert public funds is behind us. We will consistently demand answers that serve the interests of the Nigerian people,” Yusuff declared.

The committee is tasked with overseeing the implementation of procurement procedures and budgeting, tracking progress, evaluating outcomes, and recommending data-driven reforms. It is also expected to develop guidelines that align with international best practices and promote a culture of monitoring and evaluation.

According to Yusuff, the committee members will work with relevant government agencies, anti-graft institutions, procurement officials, National Assembly committees, and security agencies to ensure the prudent management of public resources.

“This marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of integrity, fairness, and competitiveness in public procurement. We are building a robust framework to promote good governance and restore public trust,” he added.

Zonal representatives on the committee include Junior Osaro Onaiwu (South-South), Chief ‘Aare’ Oluwasegun Oyedijo (South-West), Hauwa Abass (North-West), Ojugo Onyelukachukwu (South-East), Lugard Okonobo (South-South), Asabe Baba (North-East), Barr. Simon Njoku (South-East), and Garba Danladi Isaac (North-Central).