Enugu: Dr. Adedokun Adebowale, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has urged procurement officers to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and accountability in public procurement. Adebowale made the call on Wednesday in Enugu during the 6th National Conference of the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the BPP chief emphasized that technological innovation is rapidly transforming governance and business processes globally, underscoring the necessity for procurement officers to equip themselves with relevant digital skills to remain effective. He posed a crucial question to participants: “The future of procurement lies in Artificial Intelligence, big data and blockchain technologies. The question is, are you prepared for that tomorrow?”
Adebowale challenged participants to enroll in courses that would strengthen their capacity to utilize technology in carrying out procurement functions. He stressed that professional competence, leadership capacity, and continuous learning are vital for sustaining reforms in the procurement sector.
Furthermore, Adebowale disclosed that the bureau is advancing the development and implementation of the National Procurement Officers Management System (NAPOMS). He described NAPOMS as a foundational platform for procurement officers at the federal and state levels, which aims to enhance visibility, strengthen institutional protection, and improve procurement management across government establishments.
The Director-General also announced plans to launch an Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public procurement processes. He reminded public officers of their responsibility to publish all contract information on relevant government platforms, warning that non-compliance constitutes a violation of procurement regulations.
Adebowale called on procurement practitioners to uphold the principles of fairness, openness, and due process in their duties. He highlighted the need for greater professionalism within the sector, expressing concern over unqualified personnel occupying procurement-related positions. He emphasized that only academically and professionally qualified officers should continue working in procurement units.
Encouraging practitioners to pursue short-term training programs and acquire new skills, Adebowale also highlighted government efforts to promote inclusiveness in public procurement. He noted that at least seven percent of public contracts are reserved for small and medium enterprises, women-owned businesses, youth-owned enterprises, and persons with disabilities.