By Okeoghene Akubuike
The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, says Nigeria’s public procurement system has evolved into a strategic instrument of economic transformation, transparency and national development.
Adedokun stated this in his address at the Inaugural Hosting of “The Procurement Evolution” on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event with the theme “The Procurement Evolution: Honouring the Past, Powering the Future” was organised to commemorate 19 years of the establishment of the BPP.
Adeokun described the occasion as a historic celebration of Nigeria’s procurement reforms, noting that the bureau had grown from its humble beginnings into one of the Federal Government’s most outstanding agencies
According to him, the BPP was established through the collective efforts and sacrifices of visionary leaders committed to excellence, integrity, honesty and patriotism.
“In these 19 years, BPP has gone through thick and thin and has pulled through with enduring resilience to turn challenges into testimonies.
“We have won laurels as symbols of success and become one of the most outstanding agencies of the federal government of Nigeria,” he said.
The director- general paid tribute to the pioneers of the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit (BMPIU), established in 2001, and those who facilitated the eventual creation of the BPP on June 4, 2007.
He also commended former directors-general and staff members, both serving and retired, for their contributions to the growth and reputation of the agency.
Adedokun said the Procurement Evolution Day was designed to document the bureau’s achievements, assess its journey and draw lessons for the future.
He noted that procurement had become a globally recognised tool for industrial development, innovation, social inclusion and institutional accountability.
According to him, public procurement should not be viewed merely as an administrative clearing house but as a unifying tool for our collective national development objectives.
He said the bureau’s vision aligned with the policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises stronger institutions, improved service delivery, economic productivity and support for indigenous businesses.
Reflecting on the history of procurement reforms in Nigeria, Adedokun said the journey began under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who established the BMPIU to promote fiscal discipline and prudent use of public resources.
He described the creation of the unit as a bold initiative that laid the foundation for subsequent procurement reforms.
The BPP boss also identified the signing of the Public Procurement Act in 2007 by late President Umaru Yar’Adua as a defining moment in the country’s procurement history.
He noted that the legislation provided Nigeria with a legal framework anchored on transparency, fairness and competition in the management of public resources.
“The Act transformed BMPIU into the Bureau of Public Procurement, giving life to the aspirations of reformers and citizens alike,” he said.
Adedokun acknowledged that the implementation of procurement reforms faced several challenges, including resistance to change and capacity constraints.
He, however, said successive leaderships of the BMPIU and BPP had demonstrated courage and commitment in strengthening the procurement system.
The director-general also recognised the pioneering contributions of former leaders of the BMPIU, including Dr Oby Ezekwesili and Prof. Kunle AdeWahab, as well as sector experts who helped shape the reforms.
He further commended the National Assembly, particularly its Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Public Procurement, for providing legislative support and oversight.
Adedokun expressed appreciation to civil society organisations, the media, development partners, professional bodies and other stakeholders for their contributions to procurement reforms in the country.
He said their engagement had helped improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in public procurement processes.
The director-general reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to strengthening procurement practices and supporting national development through effective management of public resources. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
