Tinubu’s procurement reforms, turning point for national economic growth – NEFGAD

The Network for the Actualization of Social Growth and Viable Development, NEFGAD, a public procurement advocacy group, has commended President Bola Tinubu for far-reaching reforms outlined in his presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, particularly his remarks on public procurement.

NEFGAD, in a statement on Saturday, said the President’s presentation underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency, efficiency and prudent management of public resources.

In a statement signed by the organisation’s acting Head of Office, Barrister Unekwu Blessing Ojo, NEFGAD lauded Tinubu’s disclosure that the Federal Government commenced a comprehensive procurement reform framework from November 2024, describing it as a decisive shift toward strengthening due process, reducing waste, and enforcing accountability across ministries, departments, and agencies, MDAs.

“The reforms have demonstrably shortened procurement processing timelines, enhanced compliance, and strengthened sanctions against erring contractors and public officials, setting a new benchmark for governance and fiscal prudence,” the statement said.

NEFGAD noted that in November 2024, the period referenced by the President, coincides with the assumption of office of the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun.

According to the statement, “This establishes, beyond doubt, that the procurement reforms acknowledged by Mr. President are being driven and implemented under the leadership of Dr. Adedokun, in alignment with the policy direction of the Tinubu administration.”

“Of particular significance is the President’s emphasis on the Nigeria First Policy, which mandates MDAs to prioritize Nigerian-made goods and local companies in public procurement. NEFGAD described this policy as a strategic intervention aimed at deepening local content, stimulating domestic industries, creating jobs, encouraging innovation, and reducing Nigeria’s over-reliance on imports,” the statement noted.

NEFGAD emphasised that procurement is no longer a mere administrative process but a powerful instrument for national economic development and industrial growth.

The civic group commended the BPP for recording over ₦1 trillion in savings within just one year through enhanced price intelligence and benchmarking mechanisms.

“This figure is larger than the cumulative savings recorded by the BPP in 17 years from 2007 to 2024 before Dr. Adedokun’s assumption of office, marking the most significant cost-saving milestone in the history of the Bureau and perhaps in the entire continent by any government in a single budget cycle,” the group noted.

NEFGAD said the gains are a clear demonstration that Nigeria’s procurement system is entering a new era defined by efficiency, national interest, and sustainable economic growth.

However, it added that while the achievements are commendable, sustained reforms must be safeguarded through strict adherence to due process, impartial enforcement, and continuous transparency.

NEFGAD therefore called on all stakeholders, including MDAs, civil society organisations, and the media, to actively engage in monitoring the implementation of procurement reforms, ensuring that the Nigeria First Policy achieves its intended goals without being hijacked by vested interests or manipulated for political patronage.

It equally urged the government to institutionalise best practices, consolidate savings, and expand the culture of accountability, warning that the long-term success of the reforms hinges on consistent oversight, robust regulatory frameworks, and unwavering political will.

According to NEFGAD, the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s procurement landscape is not only a victory for public finance management but also a template for good governance that other sectors can emulate.

Tinubu’s procurement reforms, turning point for national economic growth – NEFGAD