Abuja:Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has encouraged Nigerian civil servants to create business plans to prepare for life after retirement.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Adedokun offered this advice during the 114th Anniversary Symposium of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU). The event, themed ‘Mitigating the Impact of Security Challenges on the Working Class,’ addressed the resilience and safety of workers amid ongoing economic and security challenges in Nigeria.
In his keynote speech, Adedokun emphasized the importance of early retirement planning through skill acquisition and sustainable business development. He highlighted the historical significance of the NCSU, established in 1912, in the evolution of Nigeria and praised the union’s contributions to workers’ welfare and professionalism.
Adedokun stated that the Nigerian Civil Service is crucial to implementing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that capable public servants and effective policy implementation are essential for meaningful reforms. He urged public servants to maintain integrity, professionalism, and accountability while embracing innovation in their duties.
Additionally, Adedokun called for support of procurement reforms focused on job creation, business empowerment, and social inclusion. He noted that public procurement is now a significant driver of economic growth and development.
The BPP is modernizing procurement processes with electronic platforms to enhance efficiency and reduce corruption. Adedokun identified key reform areas, including the Nigeria First Policy and Affirmative Procurement, which aim to promote local content and support diverse enterprises in accessing public contracts.
The reforms are designed to bolster agricultural value chains, generate rural employment, and ensure food availability. The transition to digital procurement platforms represents a governance reform aimed at fostering a skilled procurement workforce.
The symposium also saw Adedokun receiving the NCSU’s PRIDE Award for his dedication to national service. The event was attended by numerous labor leaders, government officials, and stakeholders, with President Bola Tinubu represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.