Abuja: Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), announced that the procurement reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda have significantly reduced the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) role in routine contract approvals. The reforms have allowed the council to concentrate more on strategic policy decisions and governance issues at the national level.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adedokun explained this development at the Inaugural Hosting of ‘The Procurement Evolution’ in Abuja. He highlighted that the review of procurement thresholds across the Federal Public Service was necessary to align with current economic realities, inflationary pressures, and market conditions, ultimately aimed at accelerating budget implementation. The upward revision has transferred more procurement responsibilities to ministerial and parastatal tenders boards, thereby streamlining processes while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Adedokun mentioned that the Federal Executive Council has been relieved of the burden of routine contract approvals due to these revised thresholds. As a result, the FEC now focuses on high-level policy discussions and strategic governance. He attributed the success of these reforms to President Tinubu’s commitment to due process and strict adherence to procurement regulations by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Highlighting further achievements, Adedokun noted the introduction of a mandatory 14-working-day standstill period before contract execution to resolve procurement-related grievances. Additionally, all contract variations now require BPP approval to prevent cost inflation and protect public funds. MDAs are also mandated to publish monthly contract awards and quarterly performance reports, supported by the deployment of price intelligence tools and a national automated project monitoring platform to enhance oversight.
Digital transformation forms a core aspect of the reforms, with electronic procurement platforms and a Nigeria E-Marketplace established to reduce human interference and corruption risks. The Nigeria First Policy aims to promote local participation in sectors such as infrastructure, ICT, agriculture, renewable energy, textiles, and automobile manufacturing. The bureau is implementing programs to support women-owned businesses, local communities, and small and medium-scale enterprises in accessing public procurement opportunities.
Adedokun also emphasized professionalisation through certification programs, capacity-building initiatives, and specialized procurement-related academic courses in selected universities. He reaffirmed the bureau’s dedication to ensuring value for money in public spending and strengthening public confidence in government institutions.
Mr. Emeka Ezeh, the pioneer Director-General of the BPP, advocated for greater use of technology in public procurement processes. He pointed out that procurement reform in Nigeria had reached a stage where technology should be the primary driver of implementation. Ezeh also highlighted the issue of delayed payments, which often lead contractors to include additional risks in their bids, resulting in higher contract costs. He stressed the importance of timely fulfillment of contractual obligations to improve efficiency and value for money.
Ezeh proposed designating June 4 as National Procurement Day to facilitate stakeholder engagement in reviewing and advising on public procurement as a strategic tool for national development. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event, themed ‘The Procurement Evolution: Honouring the Past, Powering the Future,’ marked 19 years since the establishment of the BPP.