The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has put forward a request for a substantial budgetary increase of N72.7 billion for 2025, marking a staggering 2,040% rise compared to the N3.3 billion allocated in the current fiscal year. This proposed figure is 22 times higher than the budget the agency received for the year under review.
The Director-General of BPP, Adebowale Adedokun, made this appeal while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement during the agency’s budget defense session for the 2024 performance and 2025 projections.
Adedokun highlighted that a significant portion—around 80%—of the proposed budget is earmarked to resolve the agency’s pressing office accommodation issues, improve project monitoring and evaluation nationwide, implement an electronic procurement system, and enhance capacity building efforts.
He expressed concerns that the spending limits currently imposed on the agency could hinder its ability to achieve these goals. According to him, the BPP’s office infrastructure remains inadequate, with persistent challenges, including rodent infestations at their current premises.
Enhancing Procurement Oversight and Efficiency
The DG emphasized the need to intensify procurement audits as part of a proactive approach to preventing financial mismanagement rather than reacting after funds have been misused. He outlined plans to deploy real-time IT solutions that will enable seamless procurement audits, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“We aim to digitize our processes, allowing certifications to be completed remotely, even in the absence of the Director-General. Additionally, we plan to upgrade the national database of contractors and service providers. In 2025, the system will introduce a categorization framework, ensuring that only contractors with proven financial capacity and expertise can bid for specific projects,” Adedokun explained.
Procurement as a Tool for National Development
He further noted that an efficient procurement system has the potential to enhance governance, reduce corruption, alleviate poverty, and create employment opportunities. Adedokun stated that with the right resources, BPP could make a significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP through planned innovations.
2024 Budget Performance and Future Prospects
Regarding the agency’s 2024 budget performance, Adedokun disclosed that out of the N2.2 billion allocated, N2.1 billion had been utilized, with only N184 million disbursed so far for capital projects.
In response, Unyime Idem, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement, acknowledged that the current budgetary allocation was insufficient and assured lawmakers would give due consideration to the agency’s proposed increase.
