Abuja: Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General (D-G) of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has called on foreign missions to adhere strictly to Nigeria’s procurement law. Adedokun’s call was made during an induction ceremony for ambassador-designates at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as conveyed in a statement by Zira Nagga, BPP’s Head of Press and Public Relations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adedokun emphasized that Nigeria’s foreign missions are considered federal procuring entities and are therefore required to abide by the Public Procurement Act of 2007. He explained that all procurement activities, whether involving goods, works, or services, must be conducted with due process, transparency, competition, accountability, and a focus on value-for-money.
Adedokun highlighted the role of mission heads as accounting officers, stating that any use of public funds must align with financial regulations and the Public Procurement Act. He underscored that procurement processes should be planned, budgeted, and cleared through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with adherence to approved thresholds being mandatory.
The D-G also described procurement as an essential tool for good governance, ensuring quality and timely delivery of services. He advocated for training programs for mission officers and stressed the importance of written endorsements for contractors, as opposed to verbal agreements. Every contractor, he noted, must meet mandatory eligibility criteria.
Adedokun further mentioned ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Nigeria First Policy, which promotes Made-in-Nigeria products and Affirmative Procurement aimed at supporting women, youth, SMEs, PWDs, and veterans. Other reforms include the Debarment Policy targeting fraudulent entities and Community-based Procurement to foster grassroots projects.
He concluded by emphasizing that procurement activities create lasting legacies that reflect one’s contribution to humanity.