The director-general of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Adebowale Adedokun, says a transparent procurement system can attract foreign direct investment, boost economic growth and stimulate the development of domestic industries.

Mr Adedokun said this on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Forum of State Directors-General of Public Procurement by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

He said that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and its commitment to improving living standards and reducing poverty.

Mr Adedokun described the inauguration as a significant development in Nigeria’s procurement history. He urged members of the forum to adhere strictly to due process, fairness, and transparency in implementing public projects.

The director-general of the NGF, Abdulallateef Shittu, said the forum will support ongoing efforts to recalibrate the economy.

“There are enormous responsibilities before state procurement authorities; public procurement plays a critical role in budget implementation and the delivery of government projects at all levels. I urge members of the forum to uphold professionalism, transparency and efficiency in the discharge of their responsibilities,” he said.

The president of the Africa Development Studies Centre, Victor Oluwafemi, commended the NGF for creating an enabling environment for collaboration and capacity development in the procurement sector.

Osahanze Idahosa, Oluwafemi said the centre is open to partnerships that will contribute to efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s procurement systems at the federal level. He said the inauguration is a significant step toward the broader public procurement reform agenda, particularly at the subnational level.

“Subnational procurement systems are where policy meets people, where transparency and value for money either take root or falter,” he said.

Mr Oluwafemi urged the new leadership of the forum to deepen accountability, efficiency, professionalism and transparency in public procurement across the states.

The chairman of the forum, Ehimoni Ibiyomi, said that the inauguration represents the beginning of a new institutional chapter in the collective efforts to strengthen public procurement administration, regulation and professional practice at the sub-national level in Nigeria.

He said that he is deeply grateful for the confidence reposed in him and for the opportunity to serve as chairman of the forum.

Mr Ibiyomi said the forum is not about an individual but about collective leadership, institutional cooperation, and a shared commitment to improving the quality of public procurement across our states.

(NAN)