BPP, Reps committee begin push to overhaul Public Procurement Act 2007

● DG Adedokun says new law will strengthen accountability, value-for-money

The Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP has held a strategic retreat with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement in Abuja to deliberate on the proposed review of the Public Procurement Act 2007.

The engagement focused on modernising Nigeria’s procurement framework to address emerging challenges, strengthen oversight, and align the law with international best practices.

—“Align laws with current realities”—

BPP Director-General, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, said the Bureau plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability and efficiency in public procurement.

He commended the House Committee for providing strategic oversight.

Dr. Adedokun stressed the need to align procurement laws with current realities to foster accountability and value-for-money in government expenditure.

“The review of the Public Procurement Act 2007 is expected to modernise procurement processes, address emerging challenges, strengthen oversight, and align Nigeria’s framework with international best practices, while safeguarding public funds to deliver better value for citizens,” he said.

—Legislature pledges support for revised Act—

Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement, Hon. Idem Uyime, welcomed the DG and participants.

He reiterated the legislature’s commitment to work closely with BPP to deliver a modernised procurement law that will strengthen institutional capacity and foster sustainable development.

He assured stakeholders that the Committee will continue to provide the necessary legislative support to guarantee the successful passage of the revised Act.

—What has changed so far—

It would be recalled that the Public Procurement Act 2007 has already been amended in part by the Finance Act 2021 and Finance Act 2023.

The amendments:
– Expanded the scope of the Act to include Government-owned enterprises, the National Assembly and the Judiciary
– Increased mobilisation fee from 5% to 30%
– Shortened advertisement timelines to not more than 4 weeks for National Competitive Bidding and 6 weeks for International Competitive Bidding
– Mandated bank guarantees of not less than 10% of contract values

—Next steps—

BPP and the House Committee said the retreat underscored their shared commitment to drive reforms that will improve governance, promote sustainable development, and build public trust in Nigeria’s procurement system.

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The session concluded with a roadmap for continued engagement and technical consultations to ensure the proposed revised Act serves as a robust instrument for effective public procurement management in Nigeria.

Zira Zakka Nagga, Head of Press and Public Relations, BPP signed the press statement announcing the significant development(s).