BPP DG warns procurement officers against sabotaging reforms
By Kunle Sanni –
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, has warned procurement officers in the public sector against engaging in acts capable of undermining the federal government’s ongoing procurement reforms.
In his keynote address titled “Driving Excellence through Transparency, Compliance, and Efficiency,” the DG outlined plans to streamline approval processes, standardise documentation, and automate workflows to enhance accountability and service delivery.
Speaking during a strategic meeting with procurement officers on Grade Levels 08 to 14 under the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), held at the State House Auditorium in Abuja, Dr. Adedokun said officers found to be working against the reform agenda would face sanctions in line with public service rules.
“The Bureau of Public Procurement will henceforth sanction procurement officers who misguide their chief executives on procurement processes,” Adedokun stated.
He cautioned against lobbying for postings, warning that officers who engaged in such practices would be denied deployment to the agencies they lobbied for. He further disclosed that the BPP would recommend the suspension of salaries for officers who fail to report to their assigned duty posts.
While warning against delays in processing official documents, the DG assured that the Bureau would protect and defend officers who act in accordance with due process. “Any procurement officer who does the right thing will have the full backing of the BPP,” he said.
The meeting, held on October 15, followed an earlier engagement with senior officers on Grade Levels 15 to 17. Discussions focused on the implementation of new procurement guidelines, revised monetary thresholds, and other elements of the ongoing reform programme.
Dr. Adedokun reiterated the BPP’s commitment to deepening transparency, compliance, and efficiency in Nigeria’s procurement system. He also reaffirmed the Bureau’s adherence to a 21-day decision timeline on contractors’ complaints, as mandated by the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
