The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, MCIPS, ACFE, has reiterated his commitment to repositioning public procurement practices in Nigeria for enhanced efficiency, accountability, and transparency.
Dr. Adebowale made this known during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. He highlighted the longstanding partnership between BPP and the Ministry of Interior and its agencies in promoting good governance and ensuring transparency in the procurement system.
Speaking on his vision for the Bureau, Dr. Adedokun emphasized the adoption of digitalization through E-Procurement to streamline procurement processes, to reduce delays, and ensure due diligence in contract awards. He outlined key reforms in BPP, which includes: Strict Adherence to Procurement Timelines: All contract award processes should commence and conclude within the first quarter of the year, MDAs must ensure that only companies with up-to-date and verified records are considered for procurement, Proper procurement planning and tender board reports will be prerequisites for BPP approval of contract documents, Full Digitalization of Procurement Processes: E-Procurement will facilitate wider participation, both locally and internationally, Accountability and Transparency: that the Bureau remains committed to ensuring that the ‘Certificate of No Objection’ remains credible and justifiable and Efficiency in Processing Approvals: stating that BPP has set a maximum turnaround time of 20 days for procurement approvals.
Dr. Adebowale further disclosed that within five weeks of his tenure, the Bureau has saved N1.3 billion ($24 million USD) through due diligence in procurement processes.
In his response, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, congratulated Dr. Adebowale on his appointment and commended his efforts in upholding integrity in public procurement. He acknowledged BPP as an independent arbiter that protects both the government and the Nigerian people, ensuring compliance without compromising standards.
Dr. Tunji Ojo emphasized the importance of E-Procurement in fostering innovation and preventing fraud, calling for capacity-building programs to train procurement officers in the Ministry and ensure pre-procurement audits for thorough evaluations before contract execution.
The visit reinforced the shared commitment of both MDAs to fostering transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public procurement, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Signed
Zira Zakka Nagga
Head of Public Relations (BPP)
