The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has reiterated its commitment to enhancing the capacity of procurement officers to ensure their operations align with international best practices. This commitment was underscored during the launch of a three-week 2024 Mandatory Continuous Public Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme in Lagos. Acting Director-General Olusegun Omotola emphasized the importance of understanding public procurement reforms and the vital leadership roles procurement officers will play in this transformation. He stressed that the ongoing reforms aim to modernize procurement practices in Nigeria, adapting to the evolving demands of the public sector and society.
Omotola outlined the core pillars driving public procurement reform in Nigeria: the modernization of the legislative and regulatory framework; strengthening the institutional framework and management capacity; improving procurement operations; and enhancing market practices. He highlighted ongoing efforts to update the Public Procurement Act of 2007 to reflect current needs and foster flexibility in procurement operations. Furthermore, he called for collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly the National Assembly, to ensure the effective review and implementation of these reforms.
The BPP aims to embrace modern practices such as sustainable, green, and socially responsible procurement in its modernization efforts. With the implementation of e-government procurement, processes will become simpler and more efficient. In line with these goals, Omotola emphasized the importance of organizational culture change to transform BPP into an effective regulatory and anti-corruption agency. Newly inducted procurement officers will be instrumental in realizing these objectives, positioning them at the forefront of shaping the future of public procurement in Nigeria.
Senator George Akume, represented by Mr. Dapo Oyedemi, emphasized the significance of the training program in promoting good governance. He noted that transparent and robust procurement processes are foundational to democracy and essential for tackling the critical challenges in governance. Akume highlighted that effective procurement practices could serve as powerful tools for socio-economic transformation, thereby supporting the aspirations of citizens and enhancing governance within public agencies.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), acknowledged the BPP’s efforts in training procurement professionals as essential in combating corruption. The ICPC plans to collaborate closely with the BPP to ensure compliance with procurement laws while also enhancing anti-corruption initiatives through an ethics board recently launched. Aliyu encouraged new professionals to engage in practices that are accountable and defensible, building a culture of integrity within public procurement operations.
Fatai Onafowote, Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, praised the BPP for its role in fostering procurement excellence. He mentioned the implementation of an e-procurement system in Lagos State, which streamlines processes and encourages competition. This initiative, combined with continued collaboration among procurement agencies, is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in government procurement practices. As stakeholders work together, the vision for a robust and effective procurement ecosystem across Nigeria continues to take shape, reinforcing the BPP’s commitment to reform and excellence in public procurement.
