Transparent procurement system can attract FDI, boost economy – BPP DG
The Director-General of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, says a transparent procurement system can attract foreign direct investment, boost economic growth and stimulate the development of domestic industries.
Adedokun made this known on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Forum of State Directors-General of Public Procurement by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
He said that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and its commitment to improving living standards and reducing poverty.
Adedokun described the inauguration as a significant development in Nigeria’s procurement history.
He urged members of the forum to adhere strictly to due process, fairness and transparency in the implementation of public projects.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the NGF, Mr Abdulallateef Shittu, said the forum will support ongoing efforts to recalibrate the economy.
“There are enormous responsibilities before state procurement authorities; public procurement plays a critical role in budget implementation and the delivery of government projects at all levels.
“I urge members of the forum to uphold professionalism, transparency and efficiency in the discharge of their responsibilities,” he said.
On his part, the President of the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC), Dr Victor Oluwafemi, commended the NGF for creating an enabling environment for collaboration and capacity development in the procurement sector.
Represented by Dr Osahanze Idahosa, Oluwafemi said that the centre is open to partnerships who will contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s procurement systems at the federal level.
He said that the inauguration is a significant move towards the broader public procurement reform agenda, particularly at the subnational level.
“Subnational procurement systems are where policy meets people, where transparency and value for money either take root or falter,” he said.
Oluwafemi urged the new leadership of the forum to deepen accountability, efficiency, professionalism and transparency in public procurement across the states.
Responding. the Chairman of the forum, Mr Ehimoni Ibiyomi said that the inauguration represents the beginning of a new institutional chapter in the collective efforts to strengthen public procurement administration, regulation and professional practice at the sub-national level in Nigeria.
He said that he is deeply grateful for the confidence reposed in him and for the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Forum.
Ibiyomi said that the forum is not about an individual but a collective leadership, institutional cooperation and a shared commitment to improving the quality of public procurement across our states.
“Let me begin by expressing our profound appreciation to the leadership and Management of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum Secretariat for providing the platform for the formal inauguration and recognition of this forum.
“This gesture is significant; for the forum to function effectively, there must be a structured relationship between the institutions responsible for procurement regulation and the political leadership of the states.
“The NGF provides an important national platform through which the collective interests of State Governments can be discussed and advanced.
“Forum intends to pursue strategic partnerships with relevant institutions and organisations whose mandates can contribute to improving the quality and effectiveness of public procurement across the States.
“As we commence this new chapter, we must be clear about what we want this forum to become.
Our vision is to build a strong, professional, collaborative and nationally recognised platform for the Heads of State Public Procurement Regulatory Authorities, capable of contributing meaningfully to procurement reform and good governance in Nigeria.
“We want a forum that does not merely meet, but delivers”, he added.