Abuja: The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) have inaugurated a committee for the 2026 Federal Permanent Secretaries’ Retreat. A statement by Zira Nagga, BPP’s Head of Media and Public Relations, announced that the joint committee was established to organize the retreat, which is scheduled to take place from July 9 to July 12.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the inauguration occurred during a strategic meeting involving senior officials from both institutions. This marks the renewal of a partnership aimed at enhancing procurement capacity and governance within the Federal Civil Service. The retreat, which has been held intermittently since 2008, serves as a platform for enhancing procurement knowledge, addressing implementation challenges, and fostering collaboration between BPP and permanent secretaries overseeing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and government parastatals. The 2026 edition aims to deepen strategic engagement and promote effective outcomes in support of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPP, commended Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, the HCSF, for her leadership and emphasis on procurement in public service delivery. Adedokun highlighted the critical role of procurement in government operations, noting that over 80 percent of government expenditure is executed through procurement processes. He emphasized the retreat’s significance, describing permanent secretaries as key drivers of government policy implementation in their roles as accounting officers. Effective governance relies on their understanding of procurement processes, and the retreat provides a platform for identifying challenges, debating solutions, and achieving alignment.
Adedokun highlighted the urgency of the 2026 retreat, noting that the implementation of the 2025/2026 budget is already underway. He stressed the importance of organizing a retreat that not only meets logistical excellence but also delivers measurable impact within the public service.
Representing the HCSF, Dr. Danjuma Kalba, Permanent Secretary of the Common Services Office, stated that the retreat would further equip permanent secretaries with the knowledge required to ensure that limited public resources deliver value for money. He assured the committee of the OHCSF’s support towards the success of the program, emphasizing the commitment to work closely with BPP to meet the expectations of the body of permanent secretaries and the Nigerian people.