*Mohammed Idris, Nigeria鈥檚 Minister for Information and National Orientation, commends the Bureau of Public Procurement for its efforts at promoting transparency and accountability in the procurement process, and award of contracts in the economy

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, has applauded the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for efforts at promoting transparency and accountability in the procurement process, and award of contracts in the Nigerian economy.

Idris gave the commendation Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Abuja, FCT, while receiving in audience Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPP, and the Management Staff of the Bureau on a courtesy visit to his office.

The Minister also said under the current administration鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda, procurement and award of contracts would no longer be shrouded in secrecy.

Speaking during the BPP鈥檚 visit to his office, Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media in a statement noted Alhaji Idris said: 鈥淏efore now, issues of procurement some times are being shrouded in some form of mystery. I鈥檓 glad that you are unraveling this now by making it transparent.

鈥淭here is really nothing to hide. If company 鈥楢鈥� gets a contract, let everyone know that company 鈥楢鈥� has got a contract and these are the reasons.

鈥淥nce this transparency is being upheld by your agency, I can tell you that people will lose contract and be happy for it.鈥�

He also stated that the new initiative of completing the entire procurement process within 20 working days is a game-changer and a clear demonstration of the leadership focus, innovation, and determination to revolutionise the procurement procedures in Nigeria.

The statement noted the Minister is confident that an efficient procurement process would conserve resources that would be deployed to poverty alleviation in the country.

The Ministry of Information and National Orientation is ready to work closely with the BPP to create awareness on the procurement process as well as wage a campaign against vandalism of public infrastructure, said he.

Why renaming Ministry as 鈥楩ederal Ministry of Information and National Orientation鈥�?

Idris informed the visiting delegation that former 鈥淔ederal Ministry of Information and Culture鈥� has been renamed the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in order to prioritise public reorientation and the reclamation of national values.

The Minister added: 鈥淲hat the President is trying to say is that there is a new focus on reorientation and reclaiming of our national values and the President will very soon launch the National Values Charter on behalf of Nigerians.鈥�

Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, explained the agency has implemented a well-structured procurement process to promote fairness, accountability, and competition in the award of contracts.

Dr. Adedokun said henceforth, all procurement process by government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) should be completed within the first half of the year.

The Director-General noted that the Bureau is transitioning to an electronic procurement system, to allow contractors from various parts of the country, as well as those operating internationally, to participate in the bidding process.

He also disclosed the BPP is now categorising and classifying consultants and service providers to build the capacity of local contractors to be competitive globally.

According to him, Ministries, Departments and Agencies are now required to submit a quarterly report, detailing all contracts awarded, including the names of the contractors, which will be uploaded to the BPP portal to further enhance transparency in the contract award process.

The new procurement guidelines have been developed for medical equipment, food security, and vehicles to ensure standardised and seamless procurement processes, stated Adedokun.

Kindly Share This Story