BPP, UNITAR partner to boost Nigeria’s procurement capacity

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

The partnership 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 a meeting with UNITAR officials, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, the Director-General (D-G), BPP, restated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to human capital development as a cornerstone of sustainable national growth.

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.

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He further stated that collaboration would prioritise capacity-building initiatives geared towards women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), ensuring equitable access to opportunities through procurement reforms in alignment with global best practices.

Also speaking, Mr Sadiq Rabiu, the Special Assistant to the President on Capacity Development, commended BPP’s leadership role in promoting transparency.

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 partnership.

Rabiu listed such partners to include TETFund, PTDF, UBEC, NACCIMA, MAN, and the Dangote Group to mobilise blended funding support.

Ms 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)