The head of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adedokun, has expressed strong approval of President Bola Tinubu's dedication to institutional reform, procurement integrity, and enhancing transparency in the public sector.
Adedokun stated that under President Tinubu's 'Renewed Hope Agenda,' the BPP has been provided with a clear directive to enforce standards, elevate professionalism, and reposition public procurement as a vital instrument for national development.
This praise was delivered during the inauguration of the 2025 Mandatory Continuous Public Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme (MCPCDTP), Batch B, which took place at the PTDF Centre for Skills Development and Training in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He explained that this training initiative is in direct alignment with the Public Procurement Act (PPA) of 2007, which aims to ensure efficiency, value for money, and transparency in the procurement of government goods, works, and services.
Adedokun further emphasized that this capacity-building effort underscores the Bureau's continuous commitment to establishing a cohort of procurement professionals who are trained, certified, and accountable. He noted that the program is specifically designed to enhance the competence, ethical standards, and professionalism across Nigeria's procurement landscape.
As a regulatory body, Adedokun outlined the BPP's responsibilities, which include aligning government procurement policies, disseminating and interpreting the provisions of the PPA, organizing training sessions, and coordinating capacity development activities across various government institutions.
Adedokun urged the attendees to actively participate in the training, highlighting the nation's need for procurement officers who possess competence and integrity to uphold due process consistently.
Discussing reforms implemented under the current administration, he mentioned that procurement thresholds have been updated to reflect current economic conditions. Additionally, Standard Bidding Documents and the Procurement Manual have undergone revisions to clarify ambiguities, address loopholes, and ensure uniformity among ministries, departments, and agencies.
He also indicated that the Bureau's procurement audit framework has been strengthened, market intelligence capabilities have been expanded, and collaboration with accountability bodies, such as the Code of Conduct Bureau, has been deepened.
Adedokun issued a stern warning regarding zero tolerance for misconduct, asserting that procurement officers who fail to enhance their skills or adhere to ethical standards would face career limitations. He also confirmed that contractors found in breach would be subject to sanctions and blacklisting, in accordance with the President's directive.
He revealed that over 8,000 procurement officers have received training since the leadership of Engr. Emeka Ezeh, and the Bureau is committed to maintaining this pace and leveraging the expertise of retiring professionals.
In his address, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, announced plans to fully automate the Commission's procurement processes by the end of the first quarter of the year to improve compliance, transparency, and service delivery.
Ogbuku added that the NDDC has undertaken reforms in its corporate governance structure and internal operations, emphasizing that continuous staff training remains a cornerstone of the Commission's transformation strategy.
Emeka Ezeh, Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, who delivered the keynote address, characterized procurement as a potent instrument for good governance and the fight against corruption. He encouraged officers to internalize the priority objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Approximately 300 individuals from 150 local government areas and 170 agencies participated in the training program.
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