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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that ongoing reforms by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) saved the nation N1.1trillion in 2025.
Delivering a keynote address at the ongoing four-day retreat for federal permanent secretaries in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom Stats, Shettima said of 23 initiative reforms by BPP.
“Some of the reforms are Threshold Adjustments, which allow contracts below N5 billion for goods/services and N10 billion for works to be managed by ministerial tender boards rather than the Federal Executive Council, Local Empowerment- that is the implementation of the Nigeria First Policy, which prioritises locally made goods and services that meet international standards, Institutional Expansion, that is the approval of seven new zonal offices with a view to deepening compliance enforcement across the country, and Debarment Policy among others.”
Shettima appreciated the theme of the retreat: “Strengthening Procurement Leadership and Accountability for Effective Budget Execution and National Development” adding that the reforms were aimed at improving transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline.
Shettima who was represented by Chairman Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopo, observed that the retreat came at a defining moment in the journey of the nation as government is not assessed by policies but through ability to implement them.
“Citizens measure the success of government by visible outcomes—completed infrastructure, quality healthcare, functional schools, improved security, reliable public services and expanding economic opportunities.
“These outcomes are delivered not through speeches or policy documents alone, but through effective public institutions, prudent financial management and accountable procurement systems
“That is why the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to transforming our procurement system in line with global best practices.”
He said President Tinubu is committed to repositioning the economy through bold reforms that will promote fiscal discipline, economic competitiveness, infrastructure development, food and energy securities , digital transformation, social investment and improved service delivery under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As we prepare for the next phase of civil service reforms, I urge all MDAs to embrace innovation, encourage continuous improvement, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and remain focused on delivering measurable results for Nigerians.
“The Nigerian people expect a Public Service that is responsive, efficient, transparent and accountable
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“They deserve institutions that work. They deserve projects that are completed. They deserve value for every public resource entrusted to government.”
Shettima, who declared the retreat opened noted that procurement is no longer an administrative or compliance function but strategic instrument for economic growth
“It is a driver of industrial development. It is a tool for promoting local content. It is an enabler of infrastructure delivery. It is a mechanism for ensuring value for money. Above all, it is an instrument of public trust.”
Addressing participants at the retreat, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Wilson-Jack, disclosed that procurement remains a centre of governance and a point where policy, budget, leadership and service delivery meet.
“ When procurement works well, government delivers. When procurement is delayed, weak or poorly managed, citizens feel the consequences.”
In his opening address, Director General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, recalled that the retreat began in 2008 and was institutionalised as an annual capacity- building and policy alignment forum for permanent secretaries.
“Public procurement is one of the most powerful instruments of governance. Across the world, governments spend a significant proportion of public resources through procurement.
“In Nigeria, procurement represents the bridge between budget approval and service delivery as roads are constructed through procurement
“Hospitals are equipped through procurement. Schools are built through procurement. Security equipment is acquired through procurement. Therefore, the quality of procurement determines the quality of governance.”
He listed key achievements of BPP to include: revised procurement thresholds, introduction of community-based and affirmative procurement, contractor classification and categorisation, food procurement standardization, overhaul of contractor registration, deployment of sector-specific procurement professionals, and the rollout of Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP).
“These reforms have already yielded measurable results. In 11 months of the year 2025, the Bureau has helped the Federal Government save about ₦1.1 trillion through improved price intelligence and budget evaluation. Since January 2026, we are recording savings of about ₦8 billion every week.”
