Paragraph 1: Strengthening Collaboration Against Corruption in Public Procurement
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in Nigeria is intensifying its collaboration with anti-corruption agencies to bolster transparency and accountability within the country’s procurement systems. This collaborative effort involves key stakeholders such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Code of Conduct Bureau, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). This inter-agency cooperation aims to establish robust corruption prevention mechanisms and strengthen the overall fight against corruption within public procurement and the broader public financial management system.
Paragraph 2: Engaging Civil Society Organizations for Enhanced Transparency
Recognizing the vital role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in driving reforms, the BPP is actively engaging these organizations in its efforts to enhance transparency and foster trust between government institutions and the public. CSOs play a crucial role in various capacities, including advocacy, awareness creation, capacity building, conducting social audits, mobilizing communities, and building public trust. To streamline and formalize CSO participation, the BPP is in the process of publishing a revised list of accredited organizations eligible for monitoring procurement processes. Only organizations listed in the Register of Procurement Monitors will be recommended to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for engagement.
Paragraph 3: Formalizing CSO Participation in Procurement Monitoring
To ensure compliance and transparency in engaging CSOs, the BPP will issue a circular directing all MDAs to request the BPP’s recommendation for CSO observers during bid openings immediately following the publication of advertisements. This structured approach aims to promote greater scrutiny and accountability in the procurement process by involving independent observers from civil society. The BPP’s commitment to formalizing CSO participation underscores its dedication to fostering an environment of transparency and minimizing opportunities for irregularities.
Paragraph 4: Leveraging Digital Tools for Transparency and Openness
The BPP is actively embracing digital solutions to further enhance transparency and accessibility within public procurement. The Nigeria Open Contracting Portal exemplifies this commitment, serving as a vital tool for promoting openness and accessibility despite existing challenges. By leveraging technology, the BPP aims to make procurement processes more accessible to the public, enabling greater oversight and accountability.
Paragraph 5: Public Procurement as a Driver of National Development
The BPP emphasizes the strategic importance of public procurement as an enabler of national development, particularly in delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. By ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, procurement contributes directly to economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development. The BPP recognizes that efficient and transparent procurement processes are essential for achieving national development goals.
Paragraph 6: Stricter Measures against Procurement Irregularities
The BPP is taking a firm stance against procurement irregularities, issuing stern warnings to procurement officers across all MDAs. The Bureau has vowed to expose and sanction any official involved in inflating contract costs or circumventing due process. Practices such as inflated contracts, poor specifications, and irregular procurement approvals will no longer be tolerated. The BPP has made it clear that the era of collusion between procurement officers and contractors or politically influenced procurement practices is over. Accountability will be enforced, and those found culpable will face consequences. This strong stance by the BPP demonstrates its commitment to curbing corruption and ensuring integrity in public procurement. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, represented by a director in the ministry, presided over the opening of the national stakeholders’ interactive workshop with civil society organizations on emerging trends in procurement practices where these pronouncements were made.
