The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has wrapped up a comprehensive training program for over 800 procurement officers, conducted as part of its 2025/2026 Mandatory Continuous Public Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme (MCPCDTP).
This initiative took place at the PTDF Centre for Skills Development and Training in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, consisting of two batches and was closely monitored by Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, the Director-General of BPP.
During the closing ceremony for the participants of Batch B, Adedokun emphasized that this initiative aligns with the objectives of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) of 2007, which aims to promote transparency, efficiency, and value for money in the government's procurement activities.
He noted that the training was specifically intended to refresh the knowledge of the officers, enhance their adherence to procurement processes, and help them stay updated with current industry standards.
"In recent years, many officers have not kept pace with developments in the field, which could lead to mistakes that may not always be their fault," he remarked.
Adedokun also highlighted that the Tinubu administration is committed to capacity building to ensure that procurement activities are executed in a timely, appropriate, and adequate manner.
He pointed out that the training emphasizes the importance of preventing corruption rather than solely combating it.
"Our goal is not to fight corruption in procurement; instead, we aim to prevent it altogether. When we take measures to prevent it, it never occurs in the first place. Procurement plays a critical role in the prevention of corruption," he noted.
According to him, nearly 90 percent of governmental operations are connected to procurement, making it imperative for officers to uphold the highest professional standards to prevent project duplications, rising costs, and inadequate service delivery.
Adedokun further revealed that of the 1,600 applicants for both Batch A and B, only 800 met the criteria for selection. The participants are required to submit reports demonstrating their improvements to both their organizations and the BPP before the final outcomes are announced.
In addition, he disclosed that the agency is partnering with six universities to cultivate academically qualified procurement professionals, including graduates with degrees in Procurement, Environmental Standards, and Social Standards.
"Nigeria is at the forefront of developing procurement professionals who have received both sound academic and professional training," he stated.
He also mentioned that civil society groups and other stakeholders are being engaged to help enhance the professionalism of the procurement sector and improve service delivery.
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