By: Aminata Sesay
The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has reiterated its statutory mandate to regulate the selection, appointment, and career management of procurement officers across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Sierra Leone.
In a formal communication dated 9 January 2026, the Authority reminded MDAs that the Public Procurement Act, 2016, empowers the NPPA to develop, regulate, and oversee the systems governing the recruitment and professional progression of procurement officers within the public sector.
The NPPA emphasized that procurement staffing is not merely an administrative function but a professionally regulated process guided by law. Under Section 14(2)(d) of the Act, the Authority is mandated to develop and recommend structured career development and management programmes for procurement officers, including systems for their selection, appointment, promotion, deployment, and exit from service. Additionally, Section 19(4) requires procurement officers to meet continuing professional education standards certified and approved by the NPPA.
The Authority stressed that the conduct of procurement officers has a direct impact on public trust, institutional credibility, and the integrity of Sierra Leone’s public financial management system. It highlighted that professionalism, competence, and ethical conduct must remain central to all procurement practices.
To ensure uniformity and compliance across government institutions, the NPPA emphasized that all decisions relating to recruitment, transfer, promotion, and deployment of procurement officers must conform to NPPA-approved standards and procedures. MDAs were urged to formally engage the Authority for guidance and clearance on all procurement staffing matters, noting that actions taken outside this framework may constitute non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2016.
The NPPA further disclosed that it is at an advanced stage of developing a comprehensive Code of Ethics to guide procurement practitioners, suppliers, and service providers. The initiative aims to strengthen integrity, accountability, and professionalism in public procurement.
In conclusion, the Authority called on all MDAs to ensure full adherence to the law and maintain close collaboration with the NPPA, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening public procurement systems and promoting transparency and public confidence nationwide.