Left: Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, MCIPS. ICPC Chairman, Dr. Adamu M. Aliyu and the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji during the BPP Press Briefing in Abuja.
From John Silas
The Director General (DG), Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, has vowed to reposition the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) along the path of transparency, accountability and due process as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu – led federal government
Addressing a world press conference on the theme; ‘Renewed Hope Through Strategic Procurement’, in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Adedokunm, said the event became necessary “in order to reflects our unwavering commitment to transforming and redefining the public procurement system into a catalyst for national development and economic prosperity.”
He, therefore, commended President Bola Tinubu, for granting him the rare privilege of leading the BPP at this critical juncture in his administration, assuring the President and all Nigerians that “I will dedicate myself fully to this role, relying on honesty, hard work, consultation, professionalism, and the positive application of intellect to tackle the tasks ahead.”
He said: “I am prepared and ready to deliver on his mandate. Also, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the National Assembly for the unwavering support and cooperation I have received since assuming the position of Director-General of BPP.
“This partnership not only strengthens our shared objectives but also underscores the vital role of strategic collaboration in advancing national development.
“Drawing from my experience and background as one of the pioneers of public procurement reforms in Nigeria since 2003—spanning over 21 year, I understand the pivotal role of an effective procurement system.”
Underscoring the importance of a vibrant public procurement system, the BPP boss explained that “functional public procurement is the backbone of government operations, ensuring the delivery of essential services such as food security, shelter, social infrastructure, healthcare, quality education, security, and poverty reduction.”
According to him, “this can only be achieved through open, competitive, transparent, and accountable processes, enabling us to do much more with less.”
He recalled that the BPP was established to ensure that the Procurement of goods, works, and services using public resources adheres to established guidelines, guaranteeing quality service delivery at optimal costs.
“A Vision for Renewed HopeNigeria’s procurement system has made remarkable progress over the years. However, the Bureau’s 21 statutory functions remain a reservoir of untapped potential opportunities for reforms, creativity, and the establishment of new standards to drive visible impacts.
“My vision for BPP is to lead a regulatory institution that fosters strategic partnerships with public service organisations, anti-corruption agencies, civil society, the media, and development partners.
“Together, we will reposition the BPP as a driving force for Nigeria’s socio-economic growth through world-class procurement practices.This renewed vision is anchored on three key pillars of Transparency and Accountability: Strengthening enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with procurement guidelines, eliminating irregularities, and upholding the integrity of public Procurement.Competence, Efficiency, Integrity and Innovation.
” Leveraging technology, skills and knowledge to propel BPP into the digital age, ensuring efficient, productive, and result-oriented processes with minimal human interference.Inclusivity and Economic Growth:
“Using Procurement as a tool to build public trust, promote social equity, empower social equity, empower vulnerable groups, support local industries, and attract both domestic and foreign investment,” he stressed.
Listing Key Priorities for 2025 and beyond, the BPP boss said technology would be the major driver towards attaining set goals of the agency.
“We will guide our transformation leveraging technology and automation, deploying an electronic procurement system, stressing that “it will be central to our strategy, enabling MDAs to conduct e-advertisements, improving cost efficiency and transparency.”
Others included a standardised procurement records and real-time monitoring capabilities,
takeholders’ accessibility and accountability through a centralised digital platform.
A streamlined processes to reduce turnaround times and enhance efficiency. Enhancing career development for procurement officers, procurement professionals, who are crucial to our success.
“We will establish career development pathways to elevate the profession within the public service,invest in capacity-building programes like SPESSE to ensure our officers are globally competitive. Regulate and develop certification programmes that position officers as world-class experts,” he vowed.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration for progress and achieving our goals.
“Our efforts will include:deepening partnerships with anti-corruption agencies, CSOs, professional bodies, and development partners.
“Harmonising standards with state procurement regulatory bodies, reeintroducing sensitisation workshops for key stakeholders, including federal permanent secretaries, CEOs, Legal Officers, members of the National Assembly, and the Judiciary,” he added.
