Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has launched a comprehensive reform programme to modernise Nigeria’s public procurement system through digitalisation, improved compliance and professionalisation.
The Director-General of the BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, disclosed this on Thursday September 3 at the 2026 BAVCCA/BPP Procurement Performance Conference in Abuja.
Adedokun, who was represented by the Director of Civil Infrastructure, Nasir Bello, said the reforms were designed to reposition public procurement as a major instrument for economic growth, infrastructure development and national transformation.
He described procurement as more than an administrative process, stressing that its effectiveness has a direct impact on the quality of development and the welfare of citizens.
“Procurement is not merely a government process, it is a development instrument, an economic driver, and a powerful catalyst for national transformation,” he said.
A key component of the reform programme is the implementation of an electronic government procurement system to automate critical procurement processes across government institutions.
According to Adedokun, the system will reduce manual processes, strengthen audit trails, improve real-time monitoring and provide reliable data for government decision-making.
“It is not simply digitization. It is a transformation,” he said.
The BPP boss also identified the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy as an important part of the new procurement direction, saying government expenditure should be used to support local industries, create jobs and promote innovation.
“Government spending must not merely purchase products and services. It must create opportunities. It must strengthen the industry. It must retain value within our economy,” Adedokun said.
He called for greater professionalisation of procurement practice, stronger compliance and oversight, as well as wider access to government contracts for micro, small and medium enterprises, women-owned businesses, youth-led enterprises and other underrepresented groups.
Participants at the conference identified capacity gaps, resistance to change, data challenges and weak enforcement as some of the major obstacles to effective procurement reforms.
They stressed the need for the ongoing reforms to produce measurable improvements in transparency, accountability and value for money in public spending.
The conference, themed “Celebrating Successes, Identifying Challenges, and Charging Solutions for Public Procurement Reforms,” featured panel discussions and interactive sessions on strengthening Nigeria’s procurement system and improving transparency in the management of public resources.
The BPP said the reform agenda would help reposition public procurement as a strategic tool for infrastructure delivery, economic activity and improved development outcomes.
