The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adedokun, has directed federal government agencies to adhere strictly to due procurement processes to ensure effective service delivery and value for money.
This directive was contained in a statement signed by the bureau’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Zira Nagga, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mr Adedokun issued the charge while delivering a presentation at a retreat organised by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Abuja. He noted that strengthening procurement capacity was essential for safeguarding public resources and ensuring quality healthcare delivery.
“Procurement connects citizens with the government to deliver value and end-user satisfaction,” he said, describing procurement as a critical tool for good governance that guides quality and timely project delivery.
He stressed the need for proper needs assessment before any procurement process begins, adding that all procurement activities must be adequately planned, backed by approved budgets, and comply strictly with approved thresholds.
The BPP boss also clarified the roles and responsibilities of approving authorities to ensure officers understand the chain of authority and compliance requirements. He highlighted measures to prevent procurement pitfalls such as bid rigging, conflict of interest, and unauthorised contract variations.
Mr Adedokun reiterated that contract variations fall under the BPP’s purview except in exceptional cases. He also directed that all contracts, along with monthly and quarterly procurement activity reports, be uploaded to both the organisation’s website and the BPP website.
The presentation marked a significant step towards reinforcing effective procurement practices within the NHIA and enhancing officers’ capacity to uphold established standards. The retreat aimed to equip NHIA officers with fundamental knowledge of public procurement principles, approval authorities, and strategies for avoiding procurement offences, while promoting fairness, transparency, and regulatory compliance.
NAN)
