Federal Government Establishes New Regional Offices for Bureau of Public Procurement
The Federal Government has announced the creation of seven new regional offices for the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), a move aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and professionalism within public procurement processes.
Details from Recent BPP Meeting
This update was shared by Zira Naga, Head of Press and Public Relations at the BPP, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday. Naga highlighted this initiative as a key outcome of a recent meeting between the BPP and the World Bank-supported Sustainable Procurement and Environmental and Social Standards Strengthening (SPESSE) Implementation Mission.
Focus on Sustainable Procurement
BPP Director-General Dr. Adebowale Adedokun indicated that the government is introducing sustainable procurement as a specialized area for recruitment into the procurement executive. This initiative endeavors to create a structured career path for graduates currently receiving training at six SPESSE Centers of Excellence throughout the country.
Training Institutions Involved
The training institutions participating in this program include Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Federal University of Technology in Owerri, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, University of Lagos, Joseph Salwan Taluka University in Makurdi, and the University of Benin. Adedokun emphasized that these efforts are aimed at equipping graduates to contribute meaningfully to ongoing reforms in public sector procurement.
Strategic Framework Development and Legislative Amendments
In tandem with these developments, the BPP is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to craft a National Procurement Strategic Framework and amend the Public Procurement Act of 2007. These steps are part of broader initiatives designed to modernize procurement processes across Nigeria.
Expansion of National Procurement Oversight
Furthermore, the Directorate announced that President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned the establishment of seven regional offices to extend the department’s reach and enhance national procurement oversight. The BPP has reported substantial progress in its efforts toward certification and professionalization, with over 2,075 procurement personnel certified and 816 results submitted to date.
World Bank Commends BPP Initiatives
On behalf of the World Bank, Mr. Ishtiaq Siddique praised the BPP for its achievements under the SPESSE program, especially regarding procurement certification and capacity-building initiatives. He noted that verification exercises associated with the program are set to commence in July. Key areas of cooperation include the publication of standard tender documents, sustainability retreats in procurement, the introduction of e-procurement, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Enhancing Transparency with E-Procurement
Siddique asserted that e-procurement represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a more transparent and efficient public procurement system. The emphasis on sustaining the momentum of procurement reforms is critical, as the meeting also reviewed the progress of the National Procurement Personnel Management System (NAPOMS) and the Nigeria Public Procurement Certification Program (NPCPP). Efforts to strengthen collaboration with key institutions, including the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth Government and the Commonwealth Civil Service Commission, were also discussed.
This comprehensive approach underscores the Federal Government’s commitment, in partnership with the World Bank, to institutionalize professionalism within public procurement, enhance transparency, and align Nigeria’s procurement system with global best practices.
