The Bureau of Public Procurement has disclosed that it is collaborating with anti-corruption agencies to ensure the integrity of the procurement process in Nigeria.
The Bureau also announced plans to publish a revised list of Civil Society Organisations that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies can invite to observe procurement processes.
The Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja during a one-day national stakeholders interactive workshop with CSOs on current trends in procurement practices and their roles in procurement reforms.
The workshop, which was declared open by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris (represented by director Suleiman Haruna), focused on strengthening collaboration with CSOs in ensuring effective procurement practices.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Adedokun explained that the inter-agency collaboration aims to combat corruption in public procurement and public finance management, using effective corruption prevention mechanisms.
“Our resolve to further strengthen the integrity of the public procurement system in Nigeria remains unshaken,” Dr. Adedokun said. “We have ramped up our collaboration and working relationship with anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Code of Conduct Bureau, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.”
“This inter-agency collaboration is aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption in the public procurement and the public finance management system at large, through effective corruption prevention mechanisms,” he added. “This reform is not limited to the federal system, but is being extended to the sub-national level through our partnerships with State Government Public Procurement Regulatory Authorities and the Association of Local Government of Nigeria.”
Dr. Adedokun emphasized that the workshop is not only about identifying problems but also about building partnerships for sustainable solutions. “Together, we can create a public procurement system that truly serves the interests of all Nigerians—one that is transparent, efficient, and free from corruption,” he stated.
He further described public procurement as a cornerstone of governance and economic development, pointing out that it accounts for a significant portion of public expenditure and serves as a strategic tool for achieving national development goals.
The BPP Director-General also noted that the introduction of digital platforms like the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal has enhanced transparency and accessibility in procurement processes despite ongoing challenges.
He highlighted the critical role of CSOs in promoting transparency, explaining, “Your active participation can help bridge gaps in transparency and foster trust between government institutions and citizens.” He outlined the evolving roles of CSOs, including advocacy, capacity building, research and analysis, social audits, community mobilization, policy dialogue, and supporting sustainable development.
“This workshop is designed to equip you with insights into emerging trends in procurement practices while emphasizing your roles as partners in reform. Together, we can build a procurement system that not only meets global standards but also delivers tangible benefits to all Nigerians,” Dr. Adedokun concluded.
He emphasized the strategic importance of public procurement, noting, “Public procurement is more than a technical function—it is a strategic enabler of national development through the effective delivery of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. By ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, we directly contribute to economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development.”
Dr. Adedokun further explained that CSOs play a pivotal role as watchdogs, ensuring that public funds are efficiently used to deliver services that impact citizens’ lives. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to address challenges in project delivery, such as weak contract management systems, through collaboration with key stakeholders like the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian Bar Association.
“As part of our intervention, the Bureau is collaborating with key stakeholders to develop a robust contract management framework that will cure the issues within the existing system,” he said. “This will ensure more effective project delivery and prevent unnecessary exposure of government to contract risks.”
Dr. Adedokun announced that the BPP will soon publish a revised list of approved CSOs that MDAs can engage as observers during procurement processes. An appropriate circular will direct all MDAs to seek approval from the BPP before inviting CSOs to observe bid openings.
“Only the approved CSOs on the Register of Procurement Monitors will be recommended for MDAs to engage,” he stated. “We must jointly develop a new framework for engagement that focuses on ethical practices, sanctions and incentives, innovative funding sources, and effective means of observing procurement processes.”
