The Bureau of Public Procurement has stepped up efforts to enhance transparency in public procurement to tackle fraud.
The agency announced that it would now take control of the selection process for monitors overseeing procurement activities within ministries, departments and agencies.
The Director-General of the BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, disclosed this on Tuesday at the Procurement Clinic on the Principles of Procurement Planning, Records Keeping and E-Advertisement held in Abuja.
He said the Federal Government would hire experts to monitor procurement processes in MDAs, ensuring that transparency is maintained throughout.
Adedokun noted that MDAs would no longer have the discretion to choose the civil society organisations that will monitor procurement activities.
He stressed that this move is aimed at preventing collusion between MDAs and CSOs.
“You will tell us what you want to do, and we will tell you the CSOs to use. It is no longer at your discretion. All these are part of efforts to checkmate collaboration between MDAs and CSOs,” he said.
The BPP boss also revealed that the agency would organise capacity-building sessions for staff in all geopolitical zones to improve procurement practices.
He emphasised that public procurement should not be seen merely as a transactional activity but as a strategic tool to ensure that Nigerians receive value from government spending.
“Today’s gathering is a testament to our shared commitment to improving public procurement practices in Nigeria and ensuring that they align with international best standards. Your presence here demonstrates your dedication to advancing transparency, professionalism and efficiency in the public sector,” Adedokun said.
He reiterated that the BPP, as mandated under Section 5(k) of the Public Procurement Act 2007, is tasked with organising training programmes for procurement professionals.
According to him, the two-day clinic is designed to equip procurement officers with skills in procurement planning, record-keeping and the use of the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal for e-advertisement.
“It is not just a training session but a platform for learning and collaboration for reform. We have carefully selected the topics to be covered because of their importance in entrenching the fundamental principles of public procurement,” he stated.
Adedokun also highlighted the significance of the NOCOPO as a vital tool for uploading procurement information and fostering transparency.
He said the platform plays a key role in achieving cost-effectiveness, competition and professionalism in public procurement processes.
He further explained that ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public resources would directly contribute to economic growth, social equity and sustainable development.
He urged procurement officers to actively engage in the clinic, share experiences and explore innovative ideas to improve procurement processes.
“By ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, we would directly contribute to economic growth, social equity and sustainable development. As procurement officers, you play a pivotal role in this process,” he said.
Adedokun expressed his gratitude to those involved in organising the event, emphasising the collective responsibility to uphold transparency, accountability and professionalism in Nigeria’s public procurement system.
He concluded by reiterating the BPP’s commitment to making Nigeria’s procurement system a model of integrity and efficiency.
