The 2024 Rivers State Conference of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) took place between July 30th and 31st at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt. This event, targeting Chartered Procurers and Purchasing Professionals, focused on the theme “Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Management Practices – A Game Changer for National Development.”
The conference was mainly for Members of the CIPSMN who are known by the CIPSMN Establishment Act of 2007 in sections 1(1)(c), 5(11) and 20 as Chartered Procurers/Professional Procurers/Purchasing and Supply Professionals respectively.
The purpose of the conference was to expose and build capacity and skills of Chartered Procurers/Professional Procurers/Purchasing and Supply Professionals with the emerging and contemporary global issue of Sustainable Procurement and how to practically integrate sustainability factors into procurement for business and National Development.
Key presentations included:
- Professor N. Gladson Nwokah from Rivers State University spoke on the “Introduction to Supply Chain Management and National Development,” highlighting the role of efficient Supply Chain Management (SCM) in ensuring economic stability, growth, and national prosperity.
- Dr. Abdul A. Mamman presented “Sustainable Procurement and National Development,” discussing the importance of sustainable procurement in achieving value for money, benefiting society and the economy, and minimizing environmental harm. He emphasized resource efficiency, waste reduction, and ethical practices.
- Dr. Biebele E. Arimie shared insights on “Integrating Sustainability in Procurement” using the SEEG approach (Social, Environmental, Economic, and Governance considerations). He also covered “Green Logistics Management,” focusing on optimizing transportation, reducing packaging waste, and minimizing the environmental impact of logistics activities to support climate action and sustainable development.
- Dr. Cyprian N. Ojum discussed “Sustainable Artificial Intelligence,” emphasizing the development of energy-efficient, transparent, and ethically designed AI systems. He highlighted AI’s potential to enhance organizational competitiveness and drive national development.
The conference brought together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss the integration of sustainable procurement and supply chain management into national development agendas. The event provided valuable insights and practical solutions for sustainable national development.
Representing the Bayelsa State Due Process Bureau were Mr. James Peter Timiye (Head of Accounts), Mr. Onyesi Josiah Howells (Head of ICT), Engr. Aaron Denyefa George (Assistant to the Director General), Mr. Fieye Sam Ateki, and other staff members.