Federal Government Launches Procurement Standards Initiative

The Federal Government has launched initiatives to establish unified public procurement standards across federal, state, and local government levels, emphasizing that weak procurement systems at sub-national levels limit the effectiveness of central reforms. This initiative was announced at the 2026 Mandatory Continuous Public Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme (MCPPCDTP) in Port Harcourt.

Senator George Akume's Senior Special Adviser, Prof. Bernard Babatunde, stated that effective public procurement is essential for translating government policies and budgets into tangible benefits for citizens. He highlighted that the success of the Federal Government’s reform agenda relies on competent procurement professionals.

Babatunde warned against poor planning and non-compliance, which could lead to project delays and waste. He urged procurement officers to adhere strictly to laws and regulations, ensuring fairness and transparency.

The training program saw over 700 participants registered, with approximately 350 attending the first batch in Port Harcourt, marking a significant step towards professionalizing public procurement in Nigeria.