The World Bank is partnering with the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) School of Consulting Engineering (ASCE) on training workshop specifically tailored for project implementation units (PIUs) of World Bank-funded projects in Nigeria and parts of West Africa.
The training workshop is designed to equip participants on best practices in contract management
and cultivate expertise among professionals engaged in international development projects across Nigeria and some parts of West Africa.
The partnership underscored the joint commitment of the World Bank and Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria, ACEN to enhance learning and development strategies, particularly within procurement and contract management, in the context of projects funded within the West Africa Region.
At the training workshop in Abuja on Wednesday, the President of ACEN, Engr. Kam-Selem Bukar, said the training would afford government’s MDAs to do the right thing when it comes to awarding of contracts.
“ACEN is a member of association and this members of association is in different country of the world, in over 100 countries representing over 1.6 million engineers, we have a global body which is called Federation of Engineering Company Consultant (FIDIC).
” They are the real owners and authors of this document. This is a highly technical and specialised documents which need to be trained on and guided upon.
“From time to time, the players in the industry need to be checking through and normally, it is updated from time to time, the latest one we have now is 2017 version, we had 1999 version.
“Players in this industry needs to be trained on them and updated on it. We normally partner with stakeholders in the industry to bring to light and train them on the use of this document,” he said.
He added that the workshop would help participants on ways to
deliver on global best practices as well as good business ethics in the industry.
“We must get in all aspects of our life best value for money and if we are not very well equiped with our tools, this is one of the tool when you’re in the industry as a key player or stakeholder.
“For instance a lot of money has been spent in terms of procurement and constructions, so different parties will come into agreement in the execution from inception of procurement to implemention and then completion of the project before going into contracts.
” So, if people are well informed and these documents are well used, that means we will get best value for money. Also for the professional, it’s all about the golden principles and it’s all about win-win situation where opportunities are rated, we stand to benefit so much.
“And then the capacity of key industry players will be built and they will be able to deliver on global best practices and also good business ethics,” he added
He, further said the collaborative initiatives would help to strengthen procurement and contract management practices and foster sustainable infrastructure development.
The training which focused on ‘Contract Management of the FIDIC 2017 Red Book with Highlights of its 1999 First Edition’ is designed to equip about 40 staff members with essential skills.
Also pooling their resources and expertise, the organisations aim to bolster capacity-building efforts vital for the successful implementation of these projects.
Participants for the programme are drawn from Nigeria, The Gambia and English-speaking Cameroon