Tinubu’s Procurement Reforms, A Turning Point for National Economic Growth – NEFGAD

…Urges Institutional Safeguards To Consolidate Gains

The Network for the Actualization of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), a frontline public procurement advocacy group, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the bold, visionary, and far-reaching reforms outlined in his presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, particularly his remarks on public procurement. The President’s statement underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency, efficiency, and prudent management of public resources.

In a statement signed by the organisation’s acting head of office, Barrister Unekwu Blessing Ojo, and made available to newsmen on Saturday, NEFGAD lauded the President’s disclosure that the Federal Government commenced a comprehensive procurement reform framework from November last year, describing it as a decisive shift toward strengthening due process, reducing waste, and enforcing accountability across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The reforms have demonstrably shortened procurement processing timelines, enhanced compliance, and strengthened sanctions against erring contractors and public officials, setting a new benchmark for governance and fiscal prudence.

The group noted that November 2024, the period referenced by Mr. President, coincides with the assumption of office of the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun. This establishes, beyond doubt, that the procurement reforms acknowledged by Mr. President are being driven and implemented under the leadership of Dr. Adedokun, in alignment with the policy direction of the Tinubu administration.

Of particular significance is the President’s emphasis on the Nigeria First Policy, which mandates MDAs to prioritize Nigerian-made goods and local companies in public procurement. NEFGAD described this policy as a strategic intervention aimed at deepening local content, stimulating domestic industries, creating jobs, encouraging innovation, and reducing Nigeria’s over-reliance on imports. The group emphasised that procurement is no longer a mere administrative process but a powerful instrument for national economic development and industrial growth.

Ms. Blessing further commended the remarkable achievement of the Bureau of Public Procurement under Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, which has recorded over ₦1 trillion in savings within just one year through enhanced price intelligence and benchmarking mechanisms.

“This figure is larger than the cumulative savings recorded by the BPP in 17 years from 2007 to 2024 before Dr. Adedokun’s assumption of office, marking the most significant cost-saving milestone in the history of the Bureau and perhaps in the entire continent by any government in a single budget cycle.” The group noted.

NEFGAD observed that these gains are a clear demonstration that Nigeria’s procurement system is entering a new era defined by efficiency, national interest, and sustainable economic growth. The organisation stressed that while the achievements are commendable, sustained reforms must be safeguarded through strict adherence to due process, impartial enforcement, and continuous transparency.

The group called on all stakeholders, including MDAs, civil society organisations, and the media, to actively engage in monitoring the implementation of procurement reforms, ensuring that the Nigeria First Policy achieves its intended goals without being hijacked by vested interests or manipulated for political patronage.

NEFGAD also urged the government to institutionalise best practices, consolidate savings, and expand the culture of accountability, warning that the long-term success of the reforms hinges on consistent oversight, robust regulatory frameworks, and unwavering political will.

According to NEFGAD, the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s procurement landscape is not only a victory for public finance management but also a template for good governance that other sectors can emulate. The organisation reiterated its commitment to supporting the government’s reform agenda through advocacy, capacity building, and independent monitoring, emphasizing that procurement must continue to serve as a strategic driver of economic development, job creation, and national prosperity.