The Bureau of Public Procurement is to partner with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research on enhancing capacity development in Nigeria’s procurement system.

The partnership, which was formalised through a memorandum of understanding, seeks to enhance efficiency and transparency across the entire procurement cycle, from needs assessment to the final stage of goods and service delivery.

Speaking at the MoU signing, Adebowale Adedokun, the director-general of BPP, restated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to human capital development as a cornerstone of sustainable national growth.

Mr Adedokun  said that stability and development in Nigeria had a direct impact on the African continent, noting that a well-trained workforce enhanced transparency and public trust in governance.

He further stated that collaboration would prioritise capacity-building initiatives for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to opportunities through procurement reforms aligned with global best practices.

Also speaking, Sadiq Rabiu, the special assistant to the president on capacity development, commended BPP’s leadership role in promoting transparency.

Mr Rabiu recommended leveraging UNITAR’s successful agricultural empowerment initiatives, such as the training of no fewer than 400 Ogoni women, to support expanded procurement-linked programmes that “boost productivity and inclusive economic growth”.

He stated that UNITAR would lead the development of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, while BPP would engage domestic capacity-building institutions and private-sector partnerships.

Mr Rabiu listed the following partners to mobilise blended funding support: TETFUND, PTDF, UBEC, NACCIMA, MAN, and the Dangote Group.

Miihoko Kimamoto, UNITAR’s representative, stressed the importance of sustainability under its Prosperous Future Initiative in ensuring that programme outcomes endure beyond their direct involvement.

The partnership marks a significant stride in Nigeria’s ongoing procurement reform and human capital agenda, unlocking the nation’s full economic potential. 

(NAN)