….…Advises Them To Set Up BUZ On Retirement.
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has advised civil servants on the importance of having a business plan for life after retirement.
He gave the advice at the 114th Anniversary Symposium of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) held at the Merit House in Abuja. The symposium, themed “Mitigating the Impact of Security Challenges on the Working Class,” focused on the resilience and safety of Nigerian workers amidst economic and security shifts.
The national symposium was graced by labour leaders, senior government officials and public sector stakeholders to address the socio-economic vulnerabilities of the workforce.
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, attended the high-profile gathering as the Special Guest of Honour and delivered the keynote address. He said the invitation reflects the enduring partnership between organised labour and public institutions in the collective pursuit of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and national development.
Dr. Adedokun described the NCSU, founded in 1912, as an institution whose history is inseparable from the evolution of the Nigerian state. He noted that the enduring values of service, sacrifice, patriotism and resilience have defined the Union for more than a century, and that through changing political and economic landscapes, it has remained a steadfast advocate for workers’ welfare, dignity and professionalism.
He congratulated the leadership of the NCSU on the remarkable milestone and emphasised that the Renewed Hope Agenda represents a comprehensive strategy for national renewal, anchored on the conviction that strong institutions and effective public service delivery are indispensable to sustainable development.
According to him, the Nigerian Civil Service is at the centre of the transformation.
“No reform succeeds without capable public servants. No policy delivers meaningful impact without effective implementation. The civil service therefore remains one of the most critical vehicles through which the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda will be translated into tangible outcomes for citizens,” he stated.
Dr. Adedokun stressed the values of integrity, professionalism, accountability and patriotism, urging Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda through excellence in their collective responsibilities and to embrace innovation while preserving the noble traditions of public service.
He called on all stakeholders to champion procurement reforms that enable job creation, empower businesses, support farmers, strengthen local industries, promote inclusion, deepen professionalism within the public service and build the institutional capacity required to improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.
“Public procurement is no longer a routine administrative activity. It has become a powerful enabler for economic growth, industrial development, job creation, social inclusion and institutional accountability,” he said.
He disclosed that procurement reforms under the current administration are repositioning public expenditure as a catalyst for national prosperity, anchored on five transformative pillars, including: The Nigeria First Policy-A clear and patriotic vision that promotes local content, support Nigerian businesses. The policy ensures that government procurement serves as a platform for stimulating local production, expanding industrial capacity, creating employment and retaining economic value within the national economy.
Among others is the Affirmative Procurement, a reform that creates economic opportunities and access to public contracting for women-owned enterprises, youth-led businesses and persons with disabilities, community-based enterprises.
National Guidelines for Food Procurement Reform: A strategic response to national food security, agricultural development and healthy consumption of nutritious diet. Given that government remains one of the largest purchasers of food commodities through hospitals, correctional centres, educational institutions and security agencies, the reform strategically aligns food procurement with local agricultural production. This creates reliable markets for local farmers, strengthens agricultural value chains, promotes agro processing, generates rural employment and enhances food availability nationwide.
Electronic Procurement (e-Procurement): The future of procurement is digital, transparent and data-driven. The Bureau is modernizing procurement processes across government by deploying digital platforms that reduce human interface, minimize opportunities for corruption, accelerate timelines, provide audit trails and inspire greater public confidence. He described the migration from paper-based systems to digital platforms as not merely technological innovation, but a fundamental governance reform.
Professionalization of the Procurement Cadre and Continuous Capacity Building: Recognizing that the effectiveness of any procurement system depends on the competence and integrity of its workforce, the Bureau is strengthening professional standards, promoting certification, establishing sustainable career pathways and investing in continuous learning to build a highly skilled, ethical and technology-driven procurement workforce.
With the reforms, therefore, the DG added, retired civil servants can do business without stress.
The event was graced by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Executive Governors of Katsina and Plateau State, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda and Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, both ably represented; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, ably represented; and the Chief Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission, Hon. Bashir Abubakar, MFR, among other distinguished personalities.
The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) conferred on the DG, BPP the PRIDE Award in recognition of his commitment to the service of the nation.
Signed:
Ngozi C. Anyaelezu
Head, Public Relations
Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)
September 29, 2026.
