Diffa:The Autorité de Régulation de la Commande Publique (ARCOP) is conducting a training session from November 2 to 6, 2026, in Diffa. This session focuses on best practices in managing the public procurement cycle, aimed at regional directors, department heads, and program managers to enhance their skills in tendering, execution, and control of public contracts.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the training, themed "Best Practices in Managing the Public Procurement Cycle Roles and Responsibilities of Contracting Authorities," seeks to deepen participants' understanding of the regulatory framework governing public markets and public service delegations, while emphasizing their responsibilities at each stage of the process.
Speaking on behalf of ARCOP's Director General, Mahamadou Ali Maïga, representative Adji Doumba stated that the initiative is part of a national movement to strengthen public procurement actors' capacities, launched initially in the Tillabéri region. He highlighted the importance of public procurement as a vital tool for implementing public policies and investments for the population, necessitating strict adherence to governing rules and procedures.
The training covers various stages of the public procurement cycle, from needs identification to service delivery, including planning, tendering, technical and financial execution, and control mechanisms. During the preparation and planning phase, Doumba emphasized the need for contracting authorities to precisely and consistently determine their needs as a prerequisite for effective public procurement procedures.
Doumba also stressed the importance of neutrality in technical specifications to prevent discrimination and ensure transparency and fair competition among suppliers and service providers. The training program also includes competitive procedures such as open tenders, information requests, and price inquiries.
Participants will also discuss rules related to bid opening, offer evaluation, contract awarding, and compliance with regulatory deadlines, all contributing to transparency and fairness among bidders and regularity in procedures. Regarding technical and financial execution, Doumba highlighted the importance of rigorously monitoring contractual commitments, adherence to execution timelines, subcontracting rules, and the application of penalties for delays or contractual breaches.
Financial management, including payment procedures, advances, final payments, and compliance with regulatory payment deadlines, is also a key topic. The training addresses control and acceptance mechanisms, crucial for verifying service compliance with contract requirements, including provisional and definitive acceptance conditions, guarantee management, and post-audit regulations.
Doumba emphasized that mastering these steps is essential for contracting authorities and regional program managers to fulfill their responsibilities effectively and ensure compliant public procurement management. The session provides participants with practical tools to secure administrative actions, prevent irregularities, and improve public market management quality.
Doumba concluded by highlighting capacity building as a crucial lever for optimizing public funds use, enhancing investment quality, and better addressing population needs. On behalf of the ARCOP Director General, he wished participants fruitful work over the five-day training.
Source Saudi Press Agency
