The Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) has announced that reforms implemented by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) have saved Nigeria more than N1.1 trillion. These savings result from improved procurement processes, digital monitoring, and efforts to curb inflated contract costs across government institutions.
The civil society organization made this claim on Saturday while presenting findings from its Independent Service Delivery Assessment Report on selected Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with a special focus on the BPP. Presenting the report, CPA Executive Director Comrade Olufemi Lawson stated that the assessment found the BPP, under Director-General Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, had undertaken some of the most significant procurement reforms since the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
Key Initiatives and Savings
One of the most impactful initiatives identified was the establishment of the Price Intelligence Unit and a digital benchmarking framework. According to Lawson, these measures generated estimated savings of over N1.1 trillion by eliminating inflated quotations and improving value-for-money assessments in government contracts. He said, "The system has reportedly delivered savings estimated at over N1.1 trillion through real-time benchmarking and elimination of inflated quotations. The CPA considers this initiative a major anti-corruption mechanism capable of significantly reducing procurement leakages in government."
The report highlighted the revision of procurement thresholds and operational guidelines that had remained unchanged for years. These reforms reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks, improved procurement timelines, and enhanced administrative efficiency across MDAs.
Standard Bidding Documents and Local Content
The CPA commended the Bureau for introducing revised Standard Bidding Documents, which improved procedural uniformity, increased transparency, and reduced opportunities for manipulation within procurement processes. Lawson praised the development of the Nigeria First Policy Framework, designed to prioritize local content, indigenous manufacturers, small and medium enterprises, women-owned businesses, and local service providers. He noted that the policy has the potential to support economic diversification, create jobs, and deepen economic inclusion.
National Debarment Policy
The organization also identified the establishment of a National Debarment Policy as a landmark reform. For the first time, it provides an enforceable sanctions regime against fraudulent, unethical, and non-performing contractors. Lawson stated, "This reform represents a significant deterrent against procurement fraud and an important measure for safeguarding public resources."
Professionalism and Digital Reforms
The assessment applauded the Bureau's decision to restore the administrative mobility function of procurement officers, strengthening professionalism, enhancing institutional independence, and improving compliance across government agencies. On digital reforms, the organization commended the migration of procurement submissions to an online platform, which reduced physical bottlenecks, minimized human interference, and improved transparency.
The report also acknowledged efforts to professionalize procurement practice through training and certification programs. According to CPA, more than 4,000 procurement officers have undergone structured capacity-building programs, while over 2,700 officers have been certified under the National Procurement Certification Programme.
Additional Reforms
Other reforms identified include the deployment of the National Procurement Officers Management System (NAPOMS), the creation of a contractor classification and database system, affirmative procurement initiatives for women, youths, and persons with disabilities, and the development of sector-specific procurement frameworks. Lawson said the Bureau's ongoing work on the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS), undertaken with international development partners, demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and global benchmarking.
Call for Support
Based on its findings, CPA expressed confidence in the current leadership of the Bureau and urged stakeholders, development partners, and government institutions to support ongoing reforms. The organization also called on the National Assembly to expedite consideration of proposed amendments to the Public Procurement Act to strengthen the country's procurement governance framework.
