The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Thursday commended the Bureau of Public Procurement for its initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the procurement process and contract awards.
Idris, who spoke during a visit by the Director General of the BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, and senior management staff, noted that procurement procedures were previously perceived as opaque but are now being made more transparent under the Bureau’s leadership.
He described the agency’s efforts as a significant step toward openness and fairness in public procurement.
“Before now, issues of procurement sometimes are being shrouded in some form of mystery. I’m glad that you are unraveling this now by making it transparent. There is nothing to hide.
“If company “A” gets a contract, let everyone know that company “A” has gotten a contract and these are the reasons. Once this transparency is upheld by your agency, I can tell you that people will lose their contract and be happy for it,” he said.
Idris acknowledged the introduction of a new initiative to complete procurement processes within 20 working days, calling it a game-changer.
He stressed that a transparent and efficient procurement system would not only conserve resources but also redirect savings toward poverty alleviation programs.
He further assured the Bureau of his ministry’s commitment to raising public awareness about procurement procedures and working to curb the vandalism of public infrastructure.
The Minister also revealed that the ministry has been renamed the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, reflecting a renewed focus on reorientation and the reclamation of national values.
He announced that the President would soon launch a National Values Charter to emphasise the government’s dedication to these priorities.
During the visit, the Director General of the BPP outlined several initiatives being implemented to enhance fairness and competitiveness in contract awards. He disclosed that procurement processes across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must now be completed within the first half of the year.
Adedokun also highlighted the Bureau’s transition to an electronic procurement system designed to encourage participation from contractors nationwide and internationally.
The system aims to promote fairness, competition, and greater accessibility.
In addition, MDAs are now required to submit quarterly reports detailing contracts awarded and contractor information, which will be made publicly available on the BPP portal.
New procurement guidelines have also been introduced to streamline processes for acquiring medical equipment, food security supplies, and vehicles.
The Director General reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to fostering a transparent and globally competitive procurement environment, noting that local contractors are being empowered to build their capacity and compete on the international stage.
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