Public Procurement is a strategic enabler of national development, which contributes to economic growth through transparency, accountability, and efficient management of public resources.

The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, MCIPS, ACFE, stated this at the opening ceremony of the Procurement Clinic for all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre Abuja, on the Principles of procurement planning, Records keeping and E-Advertisement; A 2-day workshop for procurement officers, organized by the Bureau of Public Procurement to improve public procurement practices in Nigeria and ensure its alignment with international best standards.

Dr. Adebowale, in his remarks, appreciated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the opportunity given to the Bureau to carry out this scheme of procurement training. He acknowledged the management team as well as the organizers for their painstaking efforts to see that the program is well organized.

The DG reiterated the mandate of BPP under section 5 (k) of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007, tasked with organizing training and development programs for procurement professionals.
Adding that, the essence of the training is designed to empower procurement officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to discharge their duties effectively. It is a platform for learning, collaboration, and reform.

He emphasized on the principles of procurement planning, which ensures that procurement activities are strategically aligned with organizational goals and, by extension, Mr. President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”. Pointing out the need for proper documentation; the use of E-Advertisement Module for leveraging technology to enhance competition, transparency and access to public procurement opportunities; the use of Nigeria Open Contracting Portal (NOCOPO) for uploading procurement information and the efficient use of the New Revised Standard Bidding Document.

The DG reminded the participants and all procurement officers that Procurement in Nigeria has taken a paradigm shift, as transactional procurement is no longer viable, and BPP would not condone any infraction against this policy. BPP is strengthening its relationship with some of the Anti-Graft Agencies like ICPC, EFCC, NEITI, Code of Conduct Bureau, and NFIU through effective corruption free mechanisms

Therefore, all procurement practitioners should play a pivotal role in procurement processes to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively to deliver impactful services to the citizens. He encouraged everyone to use this golden opportunity to explore innovative ideas that will strengthen our collective resolves in upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and professionalism.