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Tag: Bureau of Public Procurement

  • BPP rallies MDAs, others on compliance with ‘Nigeria First’ procurement policy

    BPP rallies MDAs, others on compliance with ‘Nigeria First’ procurement policy

    Full compliance with the new Presidential order aimed at prioritising local content in government procurement activities is mandatory, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) yesterday told Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    Other stakeholders in Nigeria’s procurement system must also key into the “Nigeria First” policy, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its May 5 meeting.

    The key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s  Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) has been designed to strengthen domestic industries, create jobs and stimulate long-term economic growth.

    In a statement by the Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adedokun Adebowale, the agency commended President Tinubu and the FEC for what it described as “a strategic policy initiative to enhance local industries’ capacity, competitiveness, and sustainability.”

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria First policy prioritises Nigerian industries and contractors in all public procurement activities. All MDAs and procurement stakeholders are urged to familiarise themselves with the policy details as articulated by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the post-FEC briefing.”

    The BPP said it will develop a Local Content Compliance Framework, working closely with procurement officers and industry stakeholders.

    The framework will outline clear compliance requirements and provide technical guidance.

    The agency is also revising 17 Standard Bidding Documents and training procurement officials and contractors across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    “A comprehensive Guideline on Local Content Compliance will be issued. Stakeholders will be invited to provide input to ensure shared ownership of the policy’s implementation.”

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    Further backing for the policy will come via a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and an Executive Order to be issued by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), aimed at ensuring legal enforceability and nationwide compliance.

    The key directives include the immediate revision of procurement guidelines to favour local goods and services, mandatory waivers from the BPP before foreign procurements, and inclusion of technology transfer or skill development clauses where foreign providers are involved.

    “Procurement of foreign goods or services must not proceed without justification and prior written waiver from the BPP. Where local options are unavailable, contracts must include provisions for technology transfer, local production, or skills development”, the statement emphasised.

    “MDAs are also directed to conduct immediate audits of current procurement plans and submit revised versions that reflect the Nigeria First mandate.

    “Violations, the BPP warned, will attract sanctions, including the cancellation of procurement processes and disciplinary actions against erring officers.

    The bureau reiterated its commitment to supervising procurement officers in all MDAs without compromising operational efficiency.

    It also plans a nationwide awareness campaign to educate the public and stakeholders on the new requirements.

    “The BPP congratulates all Nigerians on adopting this transformative policy, which is expected to create employment opportunities, stimulate domestic production, and foster sustainable national development.”

  • BPP urges MDAs to submit monthly reports on contracts award

    BPP urges MDAs to submit monthly reports on contracts award

    • To deploy price intelligence, benchmarking

    The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) yesterday said from next year and beyond, it would ensure Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) submit monthly reports on contracts awarded to it and publish them on its website and procuring entities websites.

    Its Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun disclosed this during a conference at Abuja yesterday.

    He said: “Ensure MDAs submit monthly reports on contracts awarded to the BPP and publish them on the BPP and procuring entity’s websites.”

    He said the public would soon witness some dramatic changes in local contractors in government procurement.

    Adedokun urged the local contractors to up their game.

    Read Also; How to tackle corruption, by President Tinubu 

    He said only contractors with equal competencies would bid among themselves.

    Continuing, Adedokun said: “We will begin to publish Nigerians, contracts awarded. We will be giving you the figure and data. We will be giving the names of the contractors, where those projects are located, the year and period for completion so you can take it and ask questions.”

    He said under his watch, the BPP has shared data on the involvement of public servants in public procurement with the Code of Conduct Bureau.

    He said while it his duty to reveal procurement violations, it is the duty of the CCB and other agencies to prosecute.

    He said the Bureau would establish zonal/state offices and call centres to improve service delivery and stakeholder engagement.

    The DG vowed to ensuring the deployment of Price Intelligence and Benchmarking.

    He said the BPP under his watch would regularly review and update benchmarks to align with prevailing policies and practices.

    He said: “Deployment of Price Intelligence and Benchmarking: We will introduce systems for: Regularly reviewing and updating benchmarks to align with prevailing policies and practices.”

    He also promised to identify best practices in supplier selection and contract negotiation.

    Adedokun said the BPP would provide training programs to improve procurement professionals’ understanding of benchmarking concepts.

    On revenue generation and economic growth, he said he would ensure sustainability.

    He stressed that BPP would explore new revenue streams, including: offering specialised training and certification services for procurement officers, and  developing innovative services that attract local and foreign direct investment.

    He said he would seek positioning procurement as a driver of national economic growth and development.

    On Review and Development of New Revised Standard Bidding Documents (SBD), Adedokun said the Bureau would assess the current version of bidding documents.

    He said: “We will assess the current version of Standard Bidding Documents to provide a revised and proper SBD that can benefit all stakeholders involved in the procurement process by designing an SBD that ensures fairness and transparency creates a fair and competitive procurement process; creating a document which establishes clear guidance to bidders and a solid foundation for contract formation.

    “Ensure that the goods, works, and services acquired meet the desired standards and needs, improving procurement outcomes.”

    He said in 2025 and beyond, the Bureau would focus on the deployment of an electronic procurement system as its central strategy.

    According to him, the BPP would focus on enabling MDAs to MDAS to conduct e-advertisements, improving cost efficiency and transparency.

    He added that there would be standardized procurement records and real-time monitoring capabilities.

    “Key Priorities for 2025 and Beyond: Allow me to outline the strategic focus areas that will guide our transformation: Leveraging Technology and Automation Deploying an Electronic Procurement System will be central to our strategy, enabling: MDAS to conduct e-advertisements, improving cost efficiency and transparency. Standardised  procurement records and real-time monitoring capabilities. Stakeholders’ accessibility and accountability through a centralised digital platform.

    “Streamlined processes to reduce turnaround times and enhance efficiency.”

  • BPP urges MDAs to submit monthly reports on contracts award

    BPP urges MDAs to submit monthly reports on contracts award

    …to deploy price intelligence, benchmarking 

    The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) yesterday said in 2025 and beyond, it would ensure Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) submit monthly reports on contracts awarded to it and publish them on its website and procuring entities websites.

    Its Director General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun made this known in a World Conference, Abuja on Monday.

    He said: “Ensure MDAs submit monthly reports on contracts awarded to the BPP and publish them on the BPP and procuring entity’s websites.”

    He said the public would soon witness some some dramatic changes in local contractors in government procurement.

    Adedokun urged the local contractors to up their game.

     He said only contractors with equal competencies would bid among themselves.

    Adedokun noted: “We will begin to publish Nigerians, contracts awarded. We will be giving you the figure and data. We will be giving the names of the contractors, where those projects are located, the year and period for completion so you can take it and ask questions.”

    He said under his watch, the BPP has shared data on the involvement of public servants in public procurement with the Code of Conduct Bureau.

    He said while it his duty to reveal procurement violations, it is the duty of the CCB and other agencies to prosecute.

    He said the Bureau would establish zonal/state offices and call centres to improve service delivery and stakeholder engagement.

    Read Also: Umahi urges BPP to remove bureaucracy from road project evaluation

    The DG vowed to ensuring the deployment  of Price Intelligence and Benchmarking.

    He said the BPP under his watch would regularly review and update benchmarks to align with prevailing policies and practices.

    He said: “Deployment of Price Intelligence and Benchmarking: 

    We will introduce systems for: Regularly reviewing and updating benchmarks to align with prevailing policies and practices.”

    He also vowed to identify best practices in supplier selection and contract negotiation.

    Adedokun said the BPP would provide training programs to improve procurement professionals’ understanding of benchmarking concepts.

    On revenue generation and economic growth, he said he would ensure sustainability.

    He stressed that BPP would explore new revenue streams, including: offering specialised training and certification services for procurement officers, and  developing innovative services that attract local and foreign direct investment.

    He said he would seek positioning procurement as a driver of national economic growth and development.

    On Review and Development of New Revised Standard Bidding Documents (SBD), Adedokun said the Bureau would assess the current version of bidding documents.

    He said: “We will assess the current version of Standard Bidding Documents to provide a revised and proper SBD that can benefit all stakeholders involved in the procurement process by: “Designing an SBD that ensures fairness and transparency creates a fair and competitive procurement process.

    “Creating a document which establishes clear guidance to bidders and a solid foundation for contract formation.

    “Ensure that the goods, works, and services acquired meet the desired standards and needs, improving procurement outcomes.”

    He said in 2025 and beyond, the Bureau would focus on the deployment of an electronic procurement system its central strategy.

    According to him, the BPP would focus on enabling MDAs to MDAS to conduct e-advertisements, improving cost efficiency and transparency.

    He added that there would be standardized procurement records and real-time monitoring capabilities.

    He said: “Key Priorities for 2025 and Beyond: Allow me to outline the strategic focus areas that will guide our transformation: Leveraging Technology and Automation Deploying an Electronic Procurement System will be central to our strategy, enabling: MDAS to conduct e-advertisements, improving cost efficiency and transparency.

    “Standardised procurement records and real-time monitoring capabilities.

    Stakeholders’ accessibility and accountability through a centralised digital platform.

    “Streamlined processes to reduce turnaround times and enhance efficiency.”

  • Umahi to BPP: Remove bureaucratic bottlenecks for innovative road project delivery 

    Umahi to BPP: Remove bureaucratic bottlenecks for innovative road project delivery 

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called for a review of procurement policies to enhance innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the Federal Government’s road infrastructure agenda. 

    He emphasized that bureaucratic bottlenecks in procurement processes hinder timely and efficient works project delivery, calling for the removal of all bureaucratic constraints to project evaluation by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

    Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a meeting with the BPP management, led by its Director General, Adebowale Adedokun, the Minister sought the agency’s partnership to ensure the prompt delivery of road projects.  

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji on Wednesday, the Minister stressed that the discussion with the BPP was aimed at addressing delays in implementing the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda for road development. 

    He highlighted the need to streamline public procurement processes for seamless and timely project execution while underscoring the importance of removing bureaucratic constraints in project evaluations to achieve greater prospects in road infrastructure development. 

    Acknowledging the BPP’s mandate to ensure accountability, consistency in pricing, and value for money, he urged the agency to address delays, describing them as significant barriers to its objectives. 

    He pointed out that different procurement methods, including restrictive, selective, and competitive bidding measures, are geared towards achieving value for money and effective service delivery to Nigerians.

    “We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to enable the Ministry to fast-track delivery of the road infrastructure projects inherited and those initiated by the Renewed Hope administration. 

    “When we came on board, we insisted on best practices, and we introduced innovations to ensure we give Nigerians enduring road infrastructure that is fit for purpose. We therefore need a collaborative resolve to end unnecessary delays in the procurement processes,” he said.

    In his remarks, BPP DG Adedokun commended the Minister for his leadership and initiatives aimed at advancing the road infrastructure agenda under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu.  

    “The interesting thing about you,” he said, “is that you don’t fail in your duties. You start and end with results, and your passion for what you do is evident. 

    Read Also: Umahi to contractors: govt jobs no longer business as usual

    “We are glad to partner with you to ensure Mr. President’s objectives for road infrastructure are achieved timely, transparently, and with full accountability.”  

    While appreciating the Minister’s efforts in convening the meeting to address procurement challenges, the DG noted, “We are here to understand your challenges, share ours, and work together to achieve a common goal. 

    “From my experience, the Ministry of Works is critical because Nigerians observe its outcomes daily. If things fail here, public criticism directly targets the President.”  

    He further emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure value for money, sustainability, and improved quality in road projects.

  • NEFGAD supports BPP’s plan to reform procurement processes 

    NEFGAD supports BPP’s plan to reform procurement processes 

    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.

  • BPP unveils framework to professionalise procurement

    BPP unveils framework to professionalise procurement

    The Federal Government has launched an ambitious initiative to professionalize procurement .

    It is  aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery across the nation.

    This was made known by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, during a Stakeholders’ Engagement Retreat on the Draft National Procurement Certification Framework (NPPCF) in Abuja  yesterday.

    Dr. Adedokun explained that the initiative, developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance and development partners, seeks to enhance the capacity of procurement practitioners nationwide.

    “For government to implement its projects and achieve its goals, the critical component that needs to be strengthened is the procurement function,” he stated.

    The framework introduces a dual-track approach comprising academic and professional training programs.

    Six universities across the country will provide theoretical instruction, while a complementary professional track will focus on practical applications, including scientific methods, legal frameworks, and quality assurance in contract awards.

    “There’s a synergy between the academic and professional tracks. The academic provides theoretical knowledge, while the professional aspect ensures hands-on, industry-relevant skills,” Dr. Adedokun explained.

    He emphasized that the initiative also involves the private sector, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange between public and private stakeholders.

    Dr. Adedokun underscored the importance of professionalism in procurement, highlighting that the new framework aims to build a cadre of globally competitive and ethically minded practitioners.

    “We cannot continue with rudimentary knowledge. We want to be driven by professionalism and prepare for the future with sound, ethical-minded individuals who love Nigeria,” he said.

    As part of the reforms, contractors seeking government contracts may soon need to include certified procurement professionals within their organizations.

    While participation in the program is incentivized rather than mandatory, Dr. Adedokun hinted at its importance for competitive advantage.

    Read Also: Transparency: BPP bars contractors from its premises

    According to the BPP DG, the pilot phase of the program is set to launch in January 2025, initially targeting graduates from the six designated centers of excellence for academic training.

    These participants will undergo professional training before the program is expanded to other candidates.

    “This pilot will prioritize those who have completed academic training. Others will have to wait until subsequent phases,” Adedokun revealed, adding that the project aims to address a growing skills gap in the sector, as many seasoned procurement officers are retiring without immediate replacements.

    He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in procurement that aligns with national development goals.

    “This program is not for people who just want to make money. It’s for those who want to see good roads, 24-hour power supply, and the best for Nigeria,” he said.

    Also speaking to the essence of the framework, National Coordinator of the Sustainable Procurement, Environment, and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) project, Dr. Joshua Attah, said the government is using the project to train professionals in procurement, environmental, and social standards.