Nigeria and World Bank Enhance Public Procurement System

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the World Bank, is intensifying efforts to strengthen the public procurement system. This initiative includes the approval of seven new zonal offices for the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to enhance oversight and reach nationwide.

Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, the Director General of BPP, announced that the government is introducing sustainable procurement specialists and creating structured career pathways for graduates currently undergoing training at six specialized centers across the country.

These centers include Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Lagos, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, and University of Benin. The initiative aims to enable graduates to contribute effectively to ongoing public sector procurement reforms.

Mr. Ishtiak Siddiqu from the World Bank commended the BPP's progress, particularly in the procurement certification capacity-building efforts.

The verification exercise for the procurement certification program commenced in July, with significant progress already recorded.