The Bureau of Public Procurement has issued a stern warning to public sector procurement officers, cautioning them against obstructing ongoing reforms or face disciplinary measures.
The Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, delivered the warning during a strategic meeting in Abuja with procurement officers on Grade Levels 08 to 14 under the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The meeting was highlighted in a statement released Monday by Zira Nagga, Head of Public Relations at the BPP.
In his keynote address titled “Driving Excellence through Transparency, Compliance, and Efficiency,” Adedokun reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to making Nigeria’s procurement process transparent, accountable, and beneficial to all citizens.
He cautioned that procurement officers who mislead their chief executives on procurement procedures would be sanctioned, adding that lobbying for postings would now be grounds for disqualification from those specific placements.
The BPP chief also warned that officers who fail to report to their duty posts risk having their salaries withheld. Similarly, those who cause unnecessary delays in processing official documents will face disciplinary actions in accordance with public service rules.
However, Adedokun assured that officers who execute their responsibilities professionally would receive the bureau’s full backing.
“They are free to approach the bureau with their challenges for review and resolution,” he said.
Reiterating the bureau’s focus on improving procurement processes, Adedokun noted that the BPP is committed to enforcing a 21-day resolution period for complaints, as required by the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
“The BPP is required to review cases, issue a written decision within 21 working days of receiving the complaints, and state the corrective actions, reasons for rejection, or remedies granted,” he stated.
The Director-General also unveiled plans to simplify approval procedures, standardise documentation, and automate workflows — all aimed at promoting timeliness and transparency in procurement decisions.
He underscored BPP’s pivotal role in supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu by advancing governance, accountability, and improved service delivery.
Adedokun said the meeting focused on the rollout of new procurement guidelines, revised monetary thresholds across government entities, and other elements of the current reform efforts. He noted that such strategic sessions would become a regular feature, with upcoming engagements planned with procurement officers in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The meeting concluded with a rallying call for all procurement professionals to maintain ethical standards, adopt innovation, and remain committed to national development through efficient and transparent service delivery.
