Engr. Abubakar Momoh Backs Procurement Reform as BPP DG Charts New Path for Transparency

Engr. Abubakar Momoh Backs Procurement Reform as BPP DG Charts New Path for Transparency

In a crucial stakeholder engagement session held on Wednesday at the Chelsea Hotel, Central Area Abuja, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adedokun Adebowale, delivered a comprehensive address that cast new light on the evolving procurement framework within Nigeria’s public service. The event, attended by key players in the Ministry of Regional Development, was a significant milestone toward strengthening transparency, efficiency, and due process in the nation’s procurement ecosystem.

The meeting brought together high-level stakeholders including the Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE, who led the Ministry’s delegation. Also in attendance were the Minister of State, Minister H.E Uba Maigari , and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Tinuke Watti , alongside directors from various departments within the Ministry and its affiliated development commissions.

In his lecture , Dr. Adebowale offered deep insights into the procurement process, demystifying common misconceptions and emphasizing the critical role of due diligence in contract awards. He candidly addressed systemic challenges facing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), highlighting the need for improved work ethics, procurement planning, and strict adherence to due process to mitigate corruption and inefficiencies.

“This meeting is not just a formality — it is a call to action. The Bureau remains committed to guiding MDAs toward a procurement culture rooted in transparency, value for money, and accountability,” Dr. Adebowale stated.

The DG’s presentation touched on core issues such as project costing, contractor selection, and the necessity for inter-agency coordination. He stressed the importance of early planning and collaboration between user departments and procurement units, noting that the success of public infrastructure projects often hinges on these foundational principles.

The Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Momoh, in his remarks, commended the DG for his candor and pledged the Ministry’s cooperation in implementing the reforms. “Our Ministry is at the forefront of driving infrastructural equity across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, and we recognize that a sound procurement process is central to delivering on our mandate,” he noted.

Among the prominent attendees were the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission, Hon. Mark Okoye , and the Managing Director of the North West Development Commission, Prof Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, , both of whom reaffirmed their readiness to align their procurement practices with national standards as outlined by the BPP.

The event concluded with robust discussions and recommendations on institutionalizing best practices across all levels of procurement in the Ministry and its allied commissions.