The federal government has announced plans to establish a procurement centre of excellence at the Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Dawakin Tofa, Kano, to serve as a regional hub for training procurement officers across ministries, departments, and agencies.

The director-general of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Adebowale Adedokun, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Nigerian Navy Special Mandatory Continuous Public Procurement Capacity Development Training on Monday in Kano.

Mr Adedokun explained that discussions are ongoing between the Bureau and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to actualise the initiative, which he described as “epoch-making” in streamlining procurement training for the armed forces and other public institutions.

He restated that the training programme marks a milestone in the conversion of naval logistics officers into core procurement cadres, equipping them with technical knowledge and instilling values of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

Highlighting the federal government’s reform agenda, the BPP chief noted that the bureau is reviewing the Public Procurement Act 2007, reengineering its processes with digital tools and AI-based systems, and reactivating the e-Government Procurement platform to ensure transparency and competitive bidding.

Mr Adedokun outlined the bureau’s reform agenda anchored on four pillars: modernisation of legal frameworks, institutional strengthening, operational improvements, and integrity oversight.

He added that inclusivity remains a priority, with emphasis on empowering MSMEs and women-owned enterprises in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

(NAN)