Procurement - News Agency Of Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
Aug, Fri, 2025

BPP urges emergence of procurement Lawyers to tackle corruption

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By Lucy Ogalue

lThe Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, has urged the emergence of procurement lawyers to address corruption and procurement deficits in Nigeria.

Adedokun, in a statement by his Head of Public Relations, Zira Nagga, on Friday made the call at the 65th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Enugu.

He said lawyers must take ownership of the standard bidding document if procurement loopholes were to be eliminated and public resources utilised more effectively for national development.

The director general recommended specialised training for lawyers on revised bidding documents, contract drafting, and procurement reforms to build capacity and curb corrupt practices in the system.

He emphasised that procurement remained a strategic enabler for national development, requiring transparent practices, anti-corruption measures, and stakeholder collaboration to deliver value to citizens.

On infrastructure, Adedokun projected that Nigeria required 100 billion dollars annually, and about three trillion dollars in 30 years, to close the country’s wide infrastructure gap.

He warned that without governance reforms, transparency, and institutional capacity, increased funding could result in waste, corruption, and policy inconsistencies.

Adedokun urged the NBA to champion procurement reforms, saying procurement lawyers will play a vital role in ensuring accountability and bridging the infrastructure deficit.

“Procurement is a strategic enabler for national development, ensuring efficient resource utilisation and delivering value to citizens.

“There is need for strong anti-corruption measures, transparent procurement, and stakeholder engagement to bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Procurement: PPDC unveils ,500 grant to empower grassroots project monitors

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jul, Thu, 2025

General News

Procurement: PPDC unveils $7,500 grant to empower grassroots project monitors

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has unveiled an application portal for the 7,500 dollars ‘Budeshi Mini Grant’ designed to empower grassroots actors monitoring public procurement projects.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of PPDC, Mrs Lucy Abagi, said that members of every participating group or organisation would be given 300 dollars and training to enhance their skills.

The initiative, according to Abagi, is aimed at supporting community advocates and ensuring that service delivery reaches the communities that have been left behind.

“Today, we officially opened the application portal for the $7,500 Budeshi mini grant, a major step in our efforts to localise transparency and empower civic actors at the grassroots level.

“This initiative, launched in partnership with Devon Technologies through the Budeshi platform, is designed to support community advocates.

“It covers public procurement monitors, a grassroots organisation or a citizen advocate passionate about tracking public projects and ensuring service delivery reaches the unreached communities left behind.

“The Budeshi grant application portal is an open, transparent digital platform designed to support local organisations across Nigeria in applying for and managing small grants dedicated to tracking public procurement projects in their states.

“Built by Devon Technologies Ltd. and powered by PPDC, this new system ensures that the grant process is inclusive, accountable and citizen-centered, from registration to reporting,” she said.

According to her, what truly drives change is when that access is paired with action, adding: “That’s why this mini grant is more than just funding, it’s an opportunity.

“It’s an opportunity for citizens to dig into the data, raise their voices, engage public institutions and hold duty bearers accountable,” she stated.

Abagi said that the initiative would be expanded across Africa, building a pan-African accountability movement, driven by technology, transparency and the power of local communities.

“We want to see Budeshi replicated, adapted and led by African citizens across borders. We believe that when citizens are equipped with the right tools, information and support, they don’t just track projects, they shift the system.

“So, as we begin today’s conversations and demonstrations, I invite you to engage deeply, ask questions and imagine with us: What could governance look like if transparency truly belongs to the people,” she said.

Also speaking, the Programme Officer of PPDC, Precious Adigwe, said that 37 institutions were expected to participate in the programme across the country.

Adigwe also said that there would be a new platform to ensure that the impact of the project was achieved.

“On the platform, we’re going to teach them on how to collect data, mine this data, use this data for policy advocacy, utilise the use of FOI and engage with their leaders in their communities, teaching them an all-encompassing advocacy strategy for policy advocacy.

“At the end of the day, we are not just empowering them with this stipend but also empowering them with skills that they will forever remember; that will not only build their organisations but also build the individual,” she explained.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the programme is being sponsored by PPDC, it still looks forward to seeing well-spirited Nigerians and donor agencies that will partner with it for sustainability. (NAN)

Edited by Wale Sadiq

BPP reaffirms commitment to procurement transparency

Tosin Kolade
Jul, Wed, 2025

Economy/Business

BPP reaffirms commitment to procurement transparency

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By Nana Hauwa Musa

The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to transparency and public trust.

Adedokun spoke in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Support Unit.

He stressed that trust is built through proper management of scarce government resources, which BPP is committed to ensuring.

“Even when everything fails, BPP must not fail,” he said, adding that procurement remains the last hope for the common man.

Adedokun stated that BPP has shown commitment to ensuring procurement adds value, curbs corruption, and stops wealth accumulation through public funds.

He added: “We want change. We want Nigeria to earn global respect and harness the youth’s energy for productivity.”

The DG noted the visit would enhance visibility and prove Nigeria’s willingness to improve systems and practices openly.

“For the first time in years, we are inviting verification of our work,” he said.

The CEO of OGP Global Support Unit, Mr Aiden Eyakuze, praised Nigeria’s bold reforms in procurement transparency.

He said the mission aimed to revive political engagement and reinforce the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Eyakuze stressed that open governance improves citizens’ daily lives, beyond gaining global approval.

“In many places, especially among youths, people feel government offers nothing — trust is fading fast.

“But visible progress — roads, health services, working schools — restores faith in governance,” he added.

He urged Nigeria to maintain momentum, scale reforms, and share its success story internationally.

Eyakuze highlighted BPP’s e-procurement system as a significant innovation, also seen in countries like Tanzania.

“We’re not only congratulating you. We aim to deepen our partnership and help overcome challenges,” he said.

He said Nigeria has made great strides since joining OGP nearly ten years ago.

“When we first came, people doubted this would work. But look at Nigeria now,” he said.

He said Nigeria is now admired among OGP nations, with a public portal inspiring other African countries.

The e-procurement system has improved transparency and allowed SMEs to compete fairly in public contracts.

“This reflects leadership and commitment within Nigeria’s procurement system.

“It’s not just about technology; it’s about restoring trust through visible results,” he said.

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

PPDC canvasses digital procurement processes, unveils strategic framework

Philip Daniel Yatai
Apr, Wed, 2025

General News

PPDC canvasses digital procurement processes, unveils strategic framework

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

An NGO, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), has called for digitalisation of procurement processes to enhance accountability and transparency in procurement governance.

The PPDC Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Lucy Abagi, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, at the presentation of the PPDC 2024-2028 Strategy Document, titled: `Leveraging Citizen Power for Sustainable Future’.

Abagi said that civil society organisations (CSOs) should not be the primary drivers of procurement processes, saying that government ownership was crucial.

She said that the government should provide regular updates on the use of taxpayers’ money and procurement processes.

According to her, the PPDC has been supporting government’s transparency for the past 22 years.

Abagi said that the NGO’s project, Transparency for Citizen Engagement, was aimed at leveraging citizens’ power for a sustainable future.

She further stated that the project was being implemented in three states: Kaduna, Ekiti and Adamawa to enhance accountability and transparency in the states’ procurement processes.

The chief executive officer said for more transparency in governance, there was the need for state procurement audits, contracting processes and annual reporting on government policies and practices.

“Procurement portals have been developed for the three states, with Kaduna and Ekiti using them efficiently.

“The portals provide detailed information on contractors, contract awards, jurisdictions and timelines.

“The portals also allow citizens to track contractor selection criteria and project monitoring criteria,’’ she said.

Abagi, however, said that observations showed gaps in procurement processes in spite of some progress, with abandoned and poorly executed projects.

She, therefore, called for transparency and accountability in government procurement to prevent project duplication and ensure contractor accountability.

The chief executive officer also urged the government to lead in procurement processes, open government partnerships and open contracting and funding to build capacity for managing procurement portals.

Also speaking, the Advocacy Officer, West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, Mr Austin Aigbe, said that corruption was the greatest challenge to the Nigerian state, with procurement being a significant loophole.

Aigbe underscored the importance of citizens’ participation in holding the government accountable for procurement fraud.

He said that eradicating procurement fraud would result in significant savings for the country.

The advocacy officer particularly cited the example of vehicle procurement where funds were repeatedly allocated but not used, leading to repeated expenditures.

According to him, procurement fraud ultimately leads to suffering by members of the public, as funds intended for public projects are diverted.

Aigbe, therefore, called on Nigerians to actively follow the procurement process and hold the government accountable through the PPDC strategy and online portals. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

FG to receive first batch of 3.2m meters in April

Lydia Beshel
Apr, Mon, 2025

Economy/Business

FG to receive first batch of 3.2m meters in April

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Meters

By Constance Athekame

The Federal Government says it is set to receive the first batch of 3.205 million meters in April, procured to bridge the metering gap in the country.

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, said this in a statement by his Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr Bolaji Tunji in Abuja on Sunday.

Adelabu said that 75,000 meters under the International Competitive Bid 1 (ICB1) were also expected by the end of April.

According to the minister the second batch of 200,000 meters will also be received in May.

He said that the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) was set to deliver the 3.2 million meters by 2026.

“This will be achieved through different procurement models, including 1.437 million meters through International Competitive Bid 1 (ICB1).

”There is another 217,600 meters through National Competitive Bid (NCB), and 1.550 million meters through International Competitive Bid 2 (ICB2), ” Adelabu said. .

According to him, as part of this plan, the first batch of 75,000 meters under ICB1 is expected by April, followed by the second batch of 200,000 meters in May.

”In addition to the DISREP, the N700 billion Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) is another key intervention designed to accelerate metering,”he said.

The minister said that the PMI, which had already secured N700 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), was structured to ensure large-scale meter procurement and deployment.

He said that a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) had been established to oversee the implementation of the initiative.

”While challenges persist, the facts tell a more balanced story; one of sustained effort, financial commitment, and structured implementation plans by the Federal Government to close the metering gap.

”Despite claims of stagnation, metering installations have been progressing steadily.

”As at Dec.2024, a total of 5.502 million customers had been metered, representing about 55 percent of the 10.114 million active electricity customers in the country,”he said.

He said that In 2024 alone, 572,050 meters were installed.

According to him, though installation rates have varied over the years, the sector maintains a yearly average of about 668,000 meters installed.

He said that structured financing and government-backed initiatives were expected to accelerate deployment beyond the current pace, ensuring that the metering gap is addressed efficiently.

He said that to bridge the meeting gap, the government had put in place key initiatives aimed at significantly improving metering across the country.

“The government had set a target of deploying two million meters annually for five years, with the first batch of two million meters expected to be released by the third quarter of this year.

”These structured interventions provide a clear roadmap for addressing the metering gap in an effective and sustainable manner”.

“While the metering gap remains a concern, the notion that it will take over a decade to resolve is misleading,” he said.

He said that with the ongoing DISREP and PMI initiatives, Nigeria’s metering landscape was set to experience significant improvement before the end of the year.

”The focus should be on the execution of these well-structured plans rather than a blanket critique that overlooks the real progress being made,”he said.(NAN)(www.nannews ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Kadiri Abdulrahman

BPP e-procurement promotes audit, says Tunji-Ojo

Ismail Abdulaziz
Feb, Fri, 2025

Defence/Security

BPP e-procurement promotes audit, says Tunji-Ojo

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says that the implementation of the electronic-procurement system by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) will promote audit trail.

Tunji-Ojo lauded the initiative when the BPP Director General, Adedokun Adebowale alongside security heads of all agencies under the ministry paid a visit to his office on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister who is also the Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) approved the nomination of retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubrin as the secretary to the board.

The Minister said that e-procurement will enable Information Technology (IT) security, accountability, barrier breaking and turnaround response time.

“I want to advise that the e-procurement should be your major project because it will get rid of corruption within the system.

“What you are trying to do will also expand and increase our economy space, so for me, it’s what we need at this stage.

“You are being abroad does not mean you must relocate to Nigeria just because you want to do business in Nigeria as this is the era of performance beyond borders,” he said.

He attributed the setbacks and abandonment of some Federal Government projects to delays in procurement

He revealed that the use of technology by the ministry has fostered successes and monitoring of activities across the agencies under the ministry, especially in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

“As regards passport administration, I monitor on my dashboard in the office every passport office in the whole world, so, I know how many passports is being produced daily.

“Naturally there are only three ways to make people efficient; that is, efficiency by being persuasive, secondly; efficiency by letting them know they are being trailed as the fear of the unknown makes them to perform.

‘Thirdly, let them know there are consequences for inaction just as there are rewards for action,” he said.

The Minister, while congratulating the new BPP DG on his appointment, said that the ministry was ready to partner with BPP to ensure a successful implementation of its plans, adding that the development of the country was a joint task.

In his earlier remarks, the BPP DG said that the ministry was a prove that the use of technology was the way to go in achieving organisational goals.

“I will put it on the table now that I am coming back to you to learn how you have been able to upscale what we have seen all around the agencies you oversee because we want to go e-procurement which is a paperless situation,’ Adedokun said.

He said he was dedicated to building a system where anyone home or abroad could partake in the procurement process without visiting BPP Abuja office.

Adebowale added that his office was also working on ensuring that with the budget of 2025, the procurement cycle starts and ends at most on May 31.

“Complete all your awards, then from June we want to begin to see implementation, performance and everyone on the field because we want Nigerians to feel everything we say we will do, physically.

“We have decided and are working hard to ensure the turnaround time is now maximum 20 days which means you must get a yes or no feedback on or before the 20th day.

“When we say no, we are actually saying clarify, when we decline that doesn’t mean rejection, we are only saying, please give us additional information to enable us defend you in your absence,” the DG said.

Responding to the approval by the minister, the new secretary to the CDCFIB promised to use his experience in making a difference in the board.

“I promise by the grace of God not to fail in my service as I seek the cooperation of the agencies that I am serving as secretary to extend same cooperation they have extended to my predecessor for greater service delivery,” Jubrin said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz