The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, has joined Global Procurement and Trade Experts in Geneva, Switzerland, for the Advanced Global Workshop on the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). The high-level workshop, organised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat. The DG’s attendance is in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda as part of the Procurement Reforms. Dr. Adebowale is amongst the 30 personalities selected globally to attend the workshop scheduled to run from April 20 to 24, 2026.
As the official representative of the Nigerian government, Dr. Adedokun’s participation is also in line with promoting good governance through legislation and the development of a National Procurement Strategic Framework. The session is designed to deep-dive into the objectives, content, and benefits of the GPA 2012. The workshop aims to bridge the gap between government procurement, international trade and good governance by exploring the synergies between the GPA 2012 and other global instruments.
Dr. Adedokun’s participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to modernizing its procurement landscape through digital transformation and international best practices. Key thematic areas of the workshop include:
– Understanding the WTO GPA 2012 rules and negotiations around government procurement and the benefits to Nigeria.
– Electronic Procurement: Aligning Nigeria’s recent mandatory e-submission transition with global digital standards.
– SME Inclusion: Developing robust frameworks to enhance the participation of Small and Medium Enterprises in public contracts.
– Sustainable Procurement: Integrating environmental and social considerations into the government’s spending architecture.
– Good Governance: Strengthening enforcement rules and notification obligations to ensure transparency and accountability.
This global engagement is a pivotal step in the BPP’s mission to reposition public procurement as a strategic tool for national development under the current administration’s reform agenda. By reflecting on the potential benefits and challenges of the GPA 2012, the Bureau continues to lead the charge in eliminating waste and maximizing value for the Nigerian people.
The DG BPP also paid an unscheduled visit to the DG, WTO to abreast her with the ongoing procurement reforms in Nigeria and solicit for her support. One of the benefits of the workshop is that Nigeria will be admitted an Observer to the WTO GPA.
e-Signed:
Zira Zakka Nagga
Head of Press and Public Relations (BPP)
April 24, 2026
