By Gilbert Bwanshak

The role of public procurement is critical to economic growth and national development. It serves as a nexus between pricing, risk, sustainability, and the broader governance of a nation. Globally, effective procurement is a key mechanism for promoting transparency, regulating public spending, and supporting good governance. An efficient public procurement system can help block financial leakages and ensure that public resources are used optimally. Through robust technical processes anchored on due diligence and transparency, procurement can enhance accountability and maximise value for public funds.

Before the return to democracy in May 1999, structured public procurement was largely limited. Successive military administrations had no codified procedures, and practices were often inconsistent. Limited competition, lack of transparency, and weak oversight hindered value for money, contributing to inefficient delivery of public services and slowed national development.

Between 2003 and 2007, the Federal Government introduced institutional, legal, and regulatory reforms across various sectors. A major outcome was the enactment of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) in 2007, which established the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The Act mandates the BPP to regulate procurement, set standards, ensure access to information, and promote accountability. The Bureau’s functions include policy formulation, oversight, information management, capacity building, and publication of research on procurement practices. Its powers allow it to implement the provisions of the PPA, conduct inspections and reviews, and ensure fairness in public procurement.

For many years, public awareness of the BPP’s strategic role in national development was limited. While some stakeholders viewed the Bureau positively, others felt that past performances could be improved. Previous administrations made efforts, but challenges persisted, including limited coordination and gaps in capacity.

Since May 2023, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has focused on placing competent leaders in key agencies. In November 2024, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun was appointed Director-General of the BPP. With more than two decades of experience in public procurement both domestically and internationally, Adedokun previously served as the Bureau’s Director of Research, Training, and Strategic Planning. His appointment reflects a recognition of the profession and a commitment to strengthening public procurement practices.

On assuming office, Adedokun initiated reforms targeting monetary thresholds, national procurement strategy, food procurement initiatives, and mobility of procurement officers. He also emphasised community and affirmative procurement, institutional collaborations, the Nigerian E-Market, and updated standard bidding documentation. These reforms aim to improve transparency, efficiency, accountability, and value for money, while aligning Nigeria’s procurement practices with global standards.

Despite initial concerns about bureaucratic challenges, Adedokun and his team have made notable progress. Their efforts are supported by the presidency, other government officials, and partnerships with local and international organisations. Public perceptions of the Bureau have improved, with increased confidence in its responsiveness and professionalism.

In one year of leadership, the BPP has achieved several milestones, including establishing a price intelligence and benchmarking unit for real-time market data, increasing monetary thresholds for public procurement, enforcing due process, and reducing financial leakages. The Bureau has also enhanced procurement officer management, continuous capacity building, introduced a debarment policy, and had its reform policies adopted by other African countries.

Going forward, the BPP must remain vigilant against resistance to change, political pressures, and capacity gaps within procurement departments. Strengthened funding, adequate staffing, improved infrastructure, and appropriate resources will further empower the Bureau to achieve its mandate and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Citizen Gilbert Bwanshak, a Leadership & Governance Strategist, writes from Jos.