FG bet on digital procurement initiative to minimize corruption risks in governance

In a decisive move to plug financial leakages and restore public trust, the Federal Government is leveraging technology to overhaul its procurement processes through a digital procurement initiative.

With this move, the government, through the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) aims to systematically minimise corruption risks, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, and usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in governance.

Speaking during the inaugural commemoration of the ‘Public procurement day’ in Abuja on Wednesday, Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General, BPP, said that the government is deploying precise market analysis tools to safeguard public funds and ensure maximum value-for-money.

Adedokun explained that since his assumption of office as the DG, his administration has pursued an ambitious reform agenda aimed to deepen transparency, improve efficiency, promote digital transformation, strengthening compliance, enhancing professionalisation, while expanding economic opportunities for indigenous enterprises.

“One of the major milestones recorded under this reform programme has been the review of procurement thresholds across the Federal Public Service. These revised thresholds were introduced to reflect present economic realities, inflationary pressures, changing market conditions, and the need to accelerate budget implementation.

“Crucially, as a direct consequence of these upwardly revised thresholds, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has been significantly unburdened from routine contract approvals. The FEC rarely meets to deliberate on contract awards anymore, shifting its executive focus instead toward high-level policy discussions and strategic national governance,” he said.

He said that by delegating more procurement responsibilities to appropriate Ministerial and Parastatal Tenders Boards and Accounting Officers, the government has significantly reduced unnecessary bottlenecks while preserving transparency and accountability.

Speaking further, Adedokun said that the Bureau has reinforced monitoring mechanisms and compliance reviews across procuring entities.

“We are launching a centralised, national platform for automated asset, project monitoring and absolute accountability. Introducing digital procurement platforms, automating core operational processes, reducing human interference and drastically minimising corruption risks.

“Establishing a secure, digital marketplace designed to foster healthy market competition and cross-sector transparency. Revamping the categorisation and certification platform to guarantee unmatched vendor credibility and processing efficiency,” he added.

Delivering his keynote address, Emeka Ezeh, a former Director of the Bureau, said that to ensure a more efficient procurement process, the government must extend attention beyond contract award to contract implementation, ensuring that anticipated value is actually realised.

He stressed the need for the implementation of comprehensive electronic systems covering planning, tendering, evaluation, contract management, and payment integration, which would reduce manipulation opportunities, accelerate processes, and generate data for analytics.

“For us to derive the best in public procurement as contemplated by the provisions of PPA, a market-driven economy envisages that parties to a contract perform their obligations in a timely manner with provisions for penalties in case of default. Unfortunately, our system has not performed well in this regard. Bidders will naturally provide for risks associated with payment delays in their bid offers, leading to a perception of inflation of contracts.

“Procurement Reform in Nigeria has matured to a stage where technology should be the driving tool for its implementation. As we mark the National Procurement Day today, It is my wish that Mr. President considers and approves that June 4 every year be declared a National Procurement Day to bring all stakeholders together, including subnational procurement authorities, to review and advise on Public Procurement as a strategic instrument for national development,” Ezeh said.