The Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Dr. Adebowale Adedokun said the organisation under his leadership would ensure that contracts are not awarded based on referall or connections in the government but about requisite regulatory qualifications combined with organisational competence and capability.
Adedokun made the call when the Country Head of Office, Network for the Actualization of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), Mr. Akingunola Omoniyi paid him a visit in Abuja.
NEFGAD had commended Adedokun for his plans to fight poverty and hunger in the country through sustainable procurement reforms.
During the visit, NEFGAD boss said it was mandatory to familiarize with the new leadership of the BPP and discuss the aspirations and expectations of Nigerians concerning the agency’s operations.
Omoniyi also emphasized 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”.
Responding, the BPP boss noted that building a diligent system that delivers results without the need for people or organizations to know anyone in power is a mandate given to him by the president.
According to him, the Bureau, under his leadership, will reduce procurement document processing time from several months to a maximum of three weeks, ensuring clarity and timely responses.
He said, “We want people to trust the system, not individuals. It’s not about knowing the Director General or Agency Heads. Securing contracts shouldn’t be about who you know.
“It is about requisite regulatory qualifications combined with organisational competence and capability. Our is building a diligent system that delivers results without the need for people or organizations to know anyone in power.
“We are mindful of the fact that generations to come will judge us by what we accomplish today, and we must ensure we leave a legacy that bequeths a better country for our children.”
He added that the Bureau will also experience digital transformation while revealing efforts made to digitize the entire BPP’s operations.
“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 said,
Expressing gratituted over the visit, Adebokun stressed the need for renewed procurement practices that enhance transparency and accountability.
“I appreciate this visit and your words of encouragement. We have a lot of changes to implement, which have been thoughtfully designed to support Mr. President in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda” he said.