Abuja: Prof. Yusuf Isah, a Professor of Economics at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, emphasizes the necessity for the procurement sector to embrace digital literacy and ethical AI tools to enhance performance. Isah shared his insights at the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSECE ABU) programme in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, procurement is a comprehensive process involving the acquisition of goods and services for an organization. This process not only includes purchasing but also involves sourcing, negotiation, and contract management to ensure value for money. Isah urges government ministries, departments, and agencies to adopt modern technological tools to ensure smooth and effective operations that align with international best practices.
Isah stressed the importance of digital literacy in the current digital era, particularly due to the rapid pace of change and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI). He highlighted that procurement professionals need to be more than just computer literate; they must understand AI systems and digital infrastructures relevant to procurement.
He also pointed out the significance of enhanced bandwidth in ensuring seamless digital operations. Limited bandwidth, common in developing countries, poses a barrier to digitizing procurement processes, as it affects the speed of information transfer across digital platforms.
Furthermore, Isah emphasized the need for a basic understanding of procurement in both public and private sectors. He reiterated the importance of distinguishing between input, output, and outcome priorities in services to better analyze the use of public resources and focus not only on output but also on outcomes that impact developmental indicators.
The economist also stressed the importance of social and gender inclusivity in procurement, advocating for it as a core value for social harmony and stability. He urged procurement officers to enhance their skills and ethical competencies to better serve their profession and society.