Abuja: The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, has emphasized that failing to adhere to procurement timelines undermines efficiency and leads to waste within public sector operations. Dr. Adedokun highlighted this issue while presenting an update on Gender-Responsive Public Procurement in Nigeria and the National Policy on Affirmative Procurement (NPAP) during a training session for policymakers focused on inclusive public procurement.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Adedokun stressed the importance of defined and enforced timelines in procurement processes, warning that any procurement file left unattended on an officer’s desk for more than 48 hours constitutes a breach of established guidelines. He stated, “Procurement without timeline makes procurement a wasted responsibility and results. We must be conscious of timeline.” He further noted that compliance with these timeframes will now be strictly monitored.
The Director-General also revealed that the Federal Government has strengthened operational mechanisms to guide procurement implementation. These include regulations, operational manuals, and extant circulars, which serve as legal and procedural bases for decision-making and policy implementation. Additionally, executive orders and circulars have been issued to support procurement administration when necessary.
Dr. Adedokun announced the release of the 2026 Public Procurement Implementation Handbook, which outlines clear processes for reforms and procurement activities for the year. The handbook provides detailed guidelines for implementing various policies and reforms.
Moreover, Nigeria’s Standard Bidding Documents have been reviewed and transformed into a “living document” capable of periodic updates. This transformation is intended to reflect emerging realities and correct identified gaps, with a team of technical experts tasked with continuously updating the documents to align with new findings and global best practices.
He further clarified that public procurement involves the use of public funds, including internally generated revenue and funds from Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). “As long as it is not your salary or private resources, it is a public fund and must be utilised in line with public procurement rules and regulations,” Dr. Adedokun concluded.