Vice President Shettima Announces Significant Procurement Reforms
Vice President Kassim Shettima recently announced that reforms in the procurement sector have resulted in savings of N1.1 trillion for the country. He made this statement during a keynote address as the special guest at a training session for Permanent Secretaries, organized by the Office of the Commissioner of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The event took place in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, and was themed “Strengthening Procurement Leadership and Accountability for Effective Budget Execution and National Development,” with proceedings set to conclude on July 12, 2026.
Transformation in Procurement Practices
Representing Mr. Shettima, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Professor Tunji Olaopa, highlighted that the ongoing transformation at the BPP is a cornerstone of the government’s national development agenda. He noted that 23 strategic initiatives and reforms have been introduced to enhance transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline within Nigeria. Preliminary findings indicate that these reforms saved the federal government over £1.1 trillion in 2025 alone.
Key Reforms Driving Change
Among the notable reforms mentioned were threshold adjustments allowing ministerial tender committees to manage contracts valued under £5 billion for goods and services and those under £10 billion for public works, instead of the federal executive committee. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at promoting the Nigeria First policy prioritize local goods and services that meet international standards, alongside the establishment of seven new regional offices designed to bolster compliance and enforcement across the nation.
The Importance of Public Procurement
According to Shettima, public procurement constitutes a vital component of national expenditure, significantly influencing citizens’ daily lives. He elaborated, stating that every infrastructure project, healthcare initiative, educational repair, agricultural program, and digital service introduced relies on a structured procurement process. Thus, these reforms reinforce the federal government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency, and ensuring value for money under the New Hope Agenda. The administration is determined to implement these reforms while holding all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) accountable for compliance.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Shettima emphasized that the government would not hesitate to impose sanctions on those who fail to abide by the law, including legal action against offenders. He argued that procurement should be viewed not merely as an administrative function but as a strategic tool for fostering economic growth, enhancing industrial development, promoting local content, enabling infrastructure delivery, ensuring value for money, and building public trust.
Strategies for Effective Procurement Leadership
He stated that successful procurement leads to government effectiveness, while failures in this area detrimentally affect development. The challenge, according to Shettima, extends beyond simply adhering to procurement guidelines; it involves enhancing leadership within procurement functions. Effective leadership entails initiating procurement plans early to align with approved budgets, maintaining professionalism throughout the procurement cycle, and making decisions based on public interest, free from outside pressures.
Leveraging Technology for Procurement Efficiency
Shettima pointed out that the integration of technology into procurement processes presents significant opportunities for the government, such as electronic document management and data analytics. These tools can enhance transparency, shorten processing times, minimize human errors, and ultimately strengthen public confidence in government operations. He urged Nigeria to embrace these technological innovations as part of a larger initiative for public sector modernization.
Ethical Leadership as a Cornerstone of Reforms
However, he cautioned that the success of institutional reforms hinges on a foundation of strong ethical values. Integrity, he asserted, remains the most critical asset in public administration. No technology can substitute ethical leadership, and no legal framework can replace personal responsibility. Successful reform initiatives require leaders who consistently prioritize national interests over personal gains.
Finally, Shettima commended the Director of the Federal Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Wolson Jack, and BPP Secretary-General, Dr. Adeboyere A. Adetokun, for their vision in organizing this strategic meeting. He also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of all Permanent Secretaries who continuously provide effective administrative leadership across various departments and ministries.
