The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), a leading public procurement advocacy group in Nigeria, has thrown its support behind plans by the Bureau of Public Procurement to reform the procurement processes.
The organisation commended the Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun for his plans to fight poverty and hunger in the country through sustainable procurement reforms.
NEFGAD Country Head of Office, Mr Akingunola Omoniyi said this during a visit to the headquarters of BPP in Abuja.
Omoniyi said the visit was to familiarise with the new leadership of the BPP and discuss the aspirations and expectations of Nigerians concerning the agency’s operations.
During the meeting, Mr. Omoniyi emphasised the importance of engagement and collaboration for improved procurement systems.
He said: “We are here to felicitate with you on your appointment and outline the public’s expectations of this organisation. Our last visit was during the tenure of the previous leadership, and it is crucial to revisit this agency to reinforce our advocacy for improved procurement practices that benefit all Nigerians.
“We also want to hear your vision for the agency and explore areas of collaboration.”
Adedokun said the agency under his leadership will reduce procurement document processing time from several months to a maximum of three weeks.
The DG said this would ensure clarity and timely responses.
Adedokun said the Bureau will also experience digital transformation while revealing efforts made to digitise the entire BPP’s operations.
He said: “Nigerians should also expect the release of procurement details as soon as decisions are made. This is to enable Nigerians to track projects and hold contractors accountable.
“Also, we want to establish a Price Intelligence System to combat over-invoicing. This is to aid our intelligence around contract pricing, with this robust system, we can benchmark prices and reject proposals outside acceptable ranges.”
The DG stressed the need for renewed procurement practices that enhance transparency and accountability, saying only a renewed procurement system can renew the Hope of the people and deliver good governance.