Federal Govt Recommits To Transparency In Public Procurement

The federal government has reiterated its commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, and value for money in public procurement processes.

The statement was made at a Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) sensitisation workshop for procurement officers held yesterday in Abuja.

At the opening session, director general of the BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, said the government is building a stable platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, address challenges, and drive reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s procurement system.

“Our task today, and for many years to come, is to provide a veritable platform to share best practices, understand government techniques, tackle challenges, and develop solutions that strengthen procurement reforms in our country,” he said.

Adedokun commended procurement officers for their dedication over the past year despite operational challenges, noting their resilience is key to a more robust procurement environment.

He urged participants from across the country to fully engage with the training sessions.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Auditor-General of the Federation highlighted that ongoing procurement reforms are guided by transparency, value for money, and innovative approaches to improving public service delivery.

He noted that current economic conditions rising costs, constrained resources, and shifting sectoral demands make efficient procurement systems essential.

“The review of procurement thresholds is a strategic intervention to reduce delays in project execution, enhance agility, and ensure government spending aligns with economic realities,” he said, stressing that procurement officers are executing a constitutional mandate requiring professionalism, ethics, and strict adherence to rules.

Also addressing the workshop, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, reaffirmed support for procurement reforms and urged officers to uphold integrity, transparency, and compliance with national anti-corruption frameworks.

Deputy director at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mrs. Grace Opaluwa praised the forum for converting public resources into public value. She stressed that effective public spending requires capacity, professionalism, and adherence to ethical standards.

“Transparent and accountable procurement enhances service delivery, public confidence, and innovation,” she said.

Representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, Director of Public Affairs, emphasized the Commission’s support for the reforms and collaboration with BPP to ensure fair, competitive, and monitored procurement activities.

He highlighted that combating corruption requires active participation from all stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) boss, Deputy Director, Project Tracking, Mr Jimoh Suleiman stressed the commission’s collaboration with BPP to ensure transparency in project implementation and management of public funds across the federation.

He highlighted the role of the Budget Theory Committee in selecting projects impartially and warned against manipulation of procurement processes that can lead to inflated contracts and lack of accountability.

“The sensitisation of procurement officers is geared towards promoting transparency and accountability. Everyone must join hands to ensure competitive procurement and proper monitoring of government projects,” Suleiman said.

He added that the new reforms and regulatory thresholds by BPP are enhancing capacity, productivity, and transparency in procurement processes nationwide.