The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in Nigeria has introduced significant reforms aimed at positioning public procurement as a key driver of the Federal Government’s development agenda. The reforms, unveiled to mark the first year of Director-General Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun’s leadership, focus on enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the procurement process.
At the heart of these reforms is the revised Service-Wide Prior Review and Monetary Thresholds Implementation Guidelines, which have recalibrated the financial limits governing procurement approvals. This update has introduced greater realism into budgeting processes, reduced administrative delays, and ensured optimal value for money at all levels of government. Notably, the approved thresholds now extend to the Legislative and Judiciary Arms, as well as Defence and intelligence institutions, marking a significant expansion of the procurement framework.
To further strengthen the legal foundations of these reforms, a proposed amendment to the Public Procurement Act 2007 is nearing completion and will soon be presented to the National Assembly. The amendment seeks to entrench transparency and value-for-money principles more firmly within the national procurement framework. In addition, the BPP is developing the “Nigeria First” Policy and the National Procurement Transformation Strategy, designed to direct public spending towards local industries, nurture domestic expertise, and promote sustainability across all sectors.
The BPP has also made significant strides in digital transformation, with the deployment of a fully integrated e-government procurement system underway. This will create a seamless, paperless environment for contract advertising, bidding, award, and management. The Nigeria E-Market has been launched to expand supplier participation and enhance price competitiveness, while the Bureau has commenced e-submission of documents, with plans to achieve 100% adoption by January 2026.
Other key initiatives include the development of revised Standard Bidding Documents and new specialised instruments, a comprehensive Debarment Policy to sanction non-compliant suppliers, and the establishment of a Price Intelligence and Benchmarking Unit to provide reliable market data. The BPP has also strengthened collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, and professional bodies to combat procurement fraud and inefficiency.
Dr. Adedokun has emphasized that these achievements represent only the beginning of a broader transformation, with the Bureau committed to institutionalising excellence, ensuring transparency, and positioning public procurement as a strategic engine for national development. The BPP has invited stakeholders, the media, and the general public to engage actively with these ongoing reforms as they continue to unfold. With these reforms, Nigeria aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its public procurement system, ultimately driving economic growth and development.