The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has prohibited contractors from visiting its premises, citing the disruptive pressures their presence has placed on staff and the agency’s workflow over the years.
This measure aims to foster a more serene and efficient working environment.
The announcement was made in Abuja yesterday by Olusegun Omotola, the outgoing acting Director-General of the BPP, during a handover ceremony to Adedokun Adebowale, the newly appointed Director-General.
Omotola highlighted that the influx of contractors seeking to follow up on their “No Objection” requests had turned the bureau into what he described as a “marketplace.”
Checks revealed that some contractors exploited these visits to lobby for approval of “special” or “restricted” tenders, undermining competitive bidding processes.
Omotola emphasized that the ban has restored calm to the agency, allowing it to operate as a serious-minded regulatory body.
In his inaugural address, the new Director-General, Adebowale, pledged to strengthen the bureau’s operations through the implementation of an electronic procurement system.
This digital initiative aims to reduce or eliminate physical interactions, thereby streamlining processes and addressing longstanding operational challenges.
ALSO READ: 2.4 billion people lack sewer access, 1.9 billion without sanitation services globally — BASEPA
Established in 2007 under the Public Procurement Act, the BPP is tasked with promoting transparency in the federal government’s procurement processes.
Adebowale vowed to align the bureau’s operations with sustainable development goals, including policies that support women and youth empowerment, as well as initiatives for persons with disabilities.
Under his leadership, Adebowale aims to transform the BPP into a tool for economic growth.
“If we get procurement right, we will get it right for the country,” he said, emphasizing the importance of timely and efficient delivery within the agency’s mandate.
The new Director-General noted the ongoing digitization of the bureau’s operations, which had previously been delayed by funding challenges.
Adebowale promised to expedite these efforts, ensuring faster turnaround times for processing “No Objection” certificates and improving service delivery.
The agency’s updated policies have already reduced the processing time for procurement reviews from three months to a maximum of one month.
Adebowale also vowed to address issues of frivolous approvals for restricted tenders and promote open competitive bidding to align with the Public Procurement Act.
Adebowale underscored the need for collaboration with Nigeria’s 36 states to institutionalize procurement practices nationwide.
“We cannot succeed at the federal level without building capacity at the state level,” he said.
While reaffirming the BPP’s commitment to holding Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) accountable, he also urged them to take greater responsibility for their procurement actions.
The Director-General assured that the bureau is equipped to support the federal government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” pledging to implement policies that ensure effective budget execution and drive economic growth.
Adebowale reaffirmed the bureau’s role as a catalyst for sustainable development, stating, “BPP is not just a cost-saving organization; it is the key to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.”
and then