CPA Independent Assessment Endorses BPP Reforms, Commends Adedokun’s Leadership – THISDAYLIVE

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) has expressed strong confidence in the ongoing reforms at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), describing the agency as one of the leading examples of institutional transformation and public sector innovation in Nigeria.

Presenting the findings of the organisation’s Independent Service Delivery Assessment Report on selected government institutions at a press conference in Abuja, the Executive Director of CPA, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, said the Bureau, under the leadership of its Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s public procurement system in line with global best practices.

Lawson noted that the independent assessment, which involved extensive stakeholder engagements, policy reviews, institutional observations and analysis of measurable outcomes, found that the BPP has embarked on some of the most ambitious procurement reforms since the enactment of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

According to him, the Bureau’s reforms have focused on improving transparency, accountability, efficiency and value for money in public procurement. He explained that the revision of procurement thresholds and operational guidelines has significantly reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks, accelerated procurement timelines and improved service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The CPA also commended the Bureau for introducing revised Standard Bidding Documents, describing the initiative as a major step towards strengthening transparency, ensuring uniformity in procurement processes and promoting fair competition among contractors. The organisation observed that the reforms have reduced opportunities for abuse while enhancing accountability in public spending.

The report further highlighted the Nigeria First Policy Framework as a strategic intervention designed to promote local content development, empower indigenous businesses, support women-owned enterprises and create opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). According to Lawson, the policy aligns with Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda and has the potential to drive industrial growth, job creation and inclusive economic development.

CPA identified the establishment of the National Debarment Policy as one of the most significant milestones achieved under the current leadership. The policy provides an enforceable sanctions regime for non-performing, fraudulent and unethical contractors, thereby strengthening integrity and accountability within the procurement system.

The organisation also praised the restoration of the administrative mobility function of procurement officers to the Bureau, noting that the move has enhanced professionalism, strengthened compliance and reinforced institutional independence across government establishments.

On contract administration, the assessment acknowledged the Bureau’s policy requiring all contract variations to receive approval before implementation. CPA described the measure as a critical accountability mechanism capable of addressing arbitrary cost escalations and strengthening fiscal discipline in project execution.

The report equally applauded the Bureau’s digital transformation initiatives, particularly the migration to electronic procurement submission processes. According to CPA, the initiative has reduced physical bottlenecks, minimised human interference, improved efficiency and aligned Nigeria’s procurement administration with modern international standards.

One of the most remarkable achievements highlighted in the assessment was the establishment of the Price Intelligence Unit and digital benchmarking framework, which has reportedly generated savings exceeding ₦1.1 trillion through real-time price analysis and the elimination of inflated quotations. CPA described the initiative as one of the strongest anti-corruption mechanisms introduced into Nigeria’s procurement ecosystem in recent years.

The assessment also recognised the creation of a comprehensive database and classification system for contractors, consultants and service providers, describing it as a major step towards strengthening due diligence, transparency and procurement integrity nationwide.

On human capacity development, CPA noted that more than 4,000 procurement officers have benefited from structured training programmes, while over 2,700 officers have been certified under the National Procurement Certification Programme. The organisation described the achievement as a significant milestone in professionalising procurement practice within the Nigerian public service.

The report further acknowledged the deployment of the National Procurement Officers Management System (NAPOMS), affirmative procurement initiatives for women, youths and persons with disabilities, as well as sector-specific procurement frameworks covering information technology, roads, healthcare and food procurement.

Lawson also commended the Bureau’s participation in the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS), ongoing efforts to regulate procurement training firms and the advanced work on amendments to the Public Procurement Act, 2007, which are expected to further strengthen transparency, digital procurement and accountability.

Based on its findings, the Centre for Public Accountability expressed confidence in the leadership of Dr. Adebowale Adedokun and urged all stakeholders to support the ongoing reforms. The organisation stated that while challenges remain within the broader procurement ecosystem, available evidence clearly demonstrates the Bureau’s commitment to institutional excellence, transparency, accountability and national development.

CPA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance through objective and evidence-based assessments and commended the management and staff of the Bureau of Public Procurement for their dedication to integrity, efficiency and service to the nation.