BPP, Anti-Graft Agencies Join Forces to Combat Procurement Fraud

The Bureau of Public Procurement has said that to improve accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s procurement procedures, it is stepping up its cooperation with anti-corruption organisations.

Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, the BPP’s director-general, revealed new developments in procurement processes on Monday in Abuja at an interactive session with national stakeholders and civil society groups.

Adedokun said, “We have ramped up our collaboration and working relationship with anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Code of Conduct Bureau, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.”

He explained that the inter-agency cooperation was aimed at “strengthening the fight against corruption in the public procurement and the public finance management system at large, through effective corruption prevention mechanism.”

Highlighting the key role of CSOs in reform efforts, the BPP DG said, “Your active participation can help bridge gaps in transparency and foster trust between government institutions and citizens. Other evolving roles of CSOs include advocacy and awareness, capacity building, social audits, community mobilisation, and enhancing public trust.”

To formalise CSO participation, Adedokun said the Bureau will soon publish a revised list of recognised organisations eligible to monitor procurement processes.

“Only the approved CSOs on the Register of Procurement Monitors will be recommended for MDAs to engage,” he said.

He added, “To ensure compliance, an appropriate circular will be issued, which will direct all MDAs to send a request to the BPP to engage CSOs as observers for bid opening immediately after advertisements are published.”

The Nigeria Open Contracting Portal was mentioned by the DG as a tool that has “further enhanced openness and accessibility in procurement processes despite the persisting challenges” in relation to digital reforms.

He concluded, “Public procurement is more than a technical function—it is a strategic enabler of national development through the effective delivery of Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. By ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, we directly contribute to economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development.”

Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced the opening of the workshop through the ministry director, Mr. Suleiman Haruna.

Prior to this, the BPP DG warned procurement officers from all ministries, departments, and agencies that any official found to be inflating contract costs or evading due procedure will be exposed and sanctioned.

Adedokun warned that anyone found guilty would face consequences, saying that the days of procurement officers conspiring with contractors or acting like politicians were finished.

He made it clear that there would be no more tolerance for exorbitant contracts, subpar specifications, or irregular procurement approvals.