The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is renewing its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to drive digital innovation and institutional reforms in the procurement sector.

Adebowale Adedokun, director-general (D-G), BPP, disclosed this in a statement issued by Zira Nagga, head of public relations in Abuja on Saturday.

Speaking during a visit by a delegation from the UNDP, Mr Adedokun emphasised that the partnership would enhance efficiency, transparency and service delivery.

He said that the partnership, which dates back to 2000, had successfully facilitated procurement capacity building, stakeholder engagements, Civil Society Organisation workshops, study tours and production of jingles and advertisements.

Mr Adedokun said, although previous collaboration faced setbacks due to funding and prospective changes, the focus would now be on modernising procurement processes to improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery.

He said that 80 per cent of UNDP’s work involved procurement, making BPP a crucial partner.

“The BPP is poised to leverage this partnership to further improve public procurement processes in Nigeria.

“By working together, the BPP and UNDP aim to achieve tangible results and add value to society.”

He highlighted ongoing reforms, including the digitisation of procurement, local framework development for the Nigeria First Policy, health sector procurement reform and capacity building.

Others were procurement professionalism, revising the Procurement Act, health sector procurement reform, M&E and audit guidelines, price intelligence, community-based procurement and affirmative procurement for inclusivity.

The D-G said that the ongoing reforms were aimed at fostering good governance and economic growth.

He emphasised the need for adequate support to equip the bureau with infrastructure, such as a monitoring dashboard system to track procurement status and expenditures across Nigeria.

Elsie Attafuah, resident representative for UNDP in Nigeria,  expressed appreciation for the invitation to collaborate, and praised the BPP’s reforms, particularly in digitalisation, transparency and accountability.

Ms Attafuah highlighted areas where UNDP’s reforms could support BPP’s work, including: structural transformations, innovation and digital reforms, digital public infrastructure, data forecasting and accelerating community development.

She emphasised the importance of inclusivity in the partnership to drive meaningful change in Nigeria.

Ms Attafuah reiterated UNDP’s commitment to sustainable procurement policies and its CIPS accreditation, highlighting its expertise in procurement implementation.

“This partnership aims to drive meaningful change and support the BPP’s mission,” she said. 

(NAN)