Knowledge in procurement processes is essential to navigate problems of life, as procurement practice is not only centered on awards of contracts, but broad and wider in its practice.
The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, ACFE, made this known while receiving the delegation from Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) United Kingdom, African Region and Asia Pacific in his office in Abuja to strengthen partnership with BPP and to appreciate their efforts in rendering supports to both BPP and the Sub-Regional Level through their numerous programmes and initiatives.
Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CIPS United Kingdom, Mr. Ben Farrel, MBE the Director General BPP emphasized that, the MOU is to deepen the existing partnership with CIPS, which stands as a lead in Global Procurement Practice, and as well a catalyst to support a national procurement practice in Nigeria.
Dr. Adebowale mentioned some of the Bureau’s project, such as the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project which has set Nigeria on the global space and brought out significant impact to the world. However, the DG stressed on his vision and agenda to help in the development of the country through the right training, knowledge and best procurement practice that will in return transform Nigeria into “Dubai of Africa” whereby all countries will be represented in Nigeria, industry and local content will grow. All these could be achieved by collaborating with different professional bodies, of which Nigeria needs support from CIPS for rightful procurement practice.
Dr. Adedokun reiterated that, technology is good but, without the adequate human development, technology becomes useless. Therefore, there should be focus on human capacity development for officers to be trained and provide with the necessary certification that will enable them compete globally. Adding that, BPP is championing a career part in procurement in Nigeria as over 8,000 officers will benefit from the partnership with CIPS. BPP as a regulatory body will institute proper regulatory framework to regulate procurement ethics, good governance and procurement practice in Nigeria, and urges everyone to comply.
Dr. Adedokun said that there are two Units in the Bureau: The Price Intelligent Unit (PIU) and External Cooperation Unit (ECU) to drive the MOU and to tap into the resources of CIPS on how prices are done in terms of consultancy, goods, works and services, in order to eliminate variations in prices
The MOU brings both entities together to uphold the principles of good procurement practices and reaffirms the shared commitment to building a stronger and prosperous Nigeria.
In response, the CIPS CEO, United Kingdom, Mr. Ben Farrel, MBE, who believes that procurement and supply chain profession must take center stage and set up to lead from the frontline, commended Nigerian Government for the recent impact Nigeria has made to the world. He said that, CIPS brings best standard in terms of ethical procurement practices, and serves as a benchmark around the world.
Mr. Ben Farrel pointed out CIPS commitment to show up in Nigeria as a bigger voice and bigger presence to fulfil the ambition of capacity building and national strategic vision for procurement. He said that, more people need skills in procurement because, it is a profession that is relevant around the world and it is important for Africa and the world to strive towards development. And with the coincidence of technology advances, the increasingly interconnected world, climate risk and geopolitical instability, Mr. Ben Farrel is determined to move the procurement and supply chain profession and CIPS forward into a future where they are global leaders, shaping the future of the planet.
Signed
Zira Zakka Nagga
Head of Public Relations (BPP)
6th June, 2025
