By Ify Onyekwere
Abuja, November 23, 2023 – The Annual Conference of People Expertise and Excellence Foundation (PEEF), known as PAC, is set to commence its 7th edition, hosting industry leaders, government representatives, civil society actors, and the media in a robust exploration of strategies to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s steel sector while ensuring zero corruption in procurement management.
With the theme “Accelerating Steel Sector Development in Nigeria – Achieving Zero Corruption in Procurement Management,” the conference aims to address critical issues plaguing the steel industry and establish a roadmap for sustainable growth. The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 23, and will take place in Abuja.
The Honorable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, is set to deliver the keynote address, bringing his wealth of experience to the forefront. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PEEF, Alh. Abdullah Bukar, will preside over the event, ensuring a comprehensive and productive discussion.
The lineup of distinguished speakers and participants promises a wealth of expertise and insights into the steel sector and procurement management. Engr. Sumaila Abdul-Akaba, the Sole Administrator of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), is among the experts invited to share his perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the steel industry.
Engr. Ibiam Oguejiofo, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Strategy Implementation Office for the Presidential Executive Order 5, will shed light on the government’s initiatives to drive growth in the steel sector. Chief Paschal Egwim, the Director-General of Imo State Bureau of Public Procurement, will provide insights into best practices in procurement management.
Dr. Lanre Adebayo, the Director-General of the Institute for Governance and Leadership Studies in Africa, will bring a broader perspective to the discussion, emphasizing the importance of governance and leadership in fostering sustainable development.
The conference will not only bring together experts from within the steel industry but will also feature stakeholders from anti-corruption agencies. Representatives from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are expected to participate, underscoring the commitment to ensuring transparency and integrity in the sector.
Legislators from the National Assembly will play a crucial role in shaping the discourse, contributing legislative insights to support the growth and development of the steel sector. Private sector leaders across various industries will also be in attendance, fostering collaboration and exploring opportunities for partnerships that can drive the much-needed transformation.
PEEF, a non-profit organization, comprises reputable professionals dedicated to proffering practical solutions to skills and management challenges in Nigeria and beyond. The organization’s commitment to fostering excellence and expertise in various sectors aligns with the goals of the PAC conference.
The conference welcomes the public to participate both in-person and virtually, with Zoom registration available for those who prefer to join remotely. This hybrid approach ensures widespread access to the valuable discussions and insights that will unfold during the event.
As the PAC 2023 conference unfolds, it promises to be a pivotal moment in the collective effort to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s steel sector. With an impressive lineup of speakers, diverse participants, and a focus on eradicating corruption in procurement management, the event is poised to shape the future trajectory of the steel industry. The public’s engagement in this critical dialogue is essential, as together, we work towards a sustainable and corruption-free steel sector that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
