Senate seeks stricter compliance, transparency in public procurement

The senate has called for greater transparency and strict compliance with established procedures in Nigeria’s public procurement process.

The upper legislative chamber, through its committee on public procurement, said procurement in the country must become a model of openness and efficiency to ensure that every naira spent translates into measurable development outcomes.

Olajide Ipinsagba, chairman of the committee, made the call in Abuja during a two-day retreat organised for committee members by Leadbold Resource Consulting at Fraser Suites.

Ipinsagba said public procurement is not merely a technical exercise but the mechanism through which government policies are converted into tangible infrastructure and services.

“Public procurement is not merely a technical or administrative activity; it is the mechanism through which government policies are transformed into tangible services, infrastructure, and development outcomes,” he said.

“It accounts for a significant proportion of national expenditure and, therefore, demands the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and accountability.”

He noted that while the Public Procurement Act of 2007 and the creation of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) marked a major step towards institutionalising transparency and accountability, more reforms are still needed.

“Public procurement is not a one-time event; it is a continuous process of evolution, adaptation, and learning,” the lawmaker said.

“The senate committee on public procurement remains committed to legislative oversight, policy advocacy, and institutional reforms that strengthen integrity and compliance in the procurement system.

“Let us, therefore, reaffirm our collective resolve to make public procurement in Nigeria a model of transparency and efficiency — not only in Africa but across the global stage.

“By aligning our practices with international standards and embracing innovation, we can ensure that every naira spent translates into better schools, safer roads, improved healthcare, and a more prosperous nation in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.”

In her remarks, Kelechi Kingsley, chief executive officer of Leadbold Resource Consulting, said the retreat was designed to enhance the strategic leadership capacity of the committee to drive oversight, transparency, and accountability in the public procurement ecosystem.

“The retreat seeks to expose participants to global regulations, international best practices, and practical frameworks that will strengthen institutional integrity, ensure value for money in public expenditure, and advance national development objectives through sound procurement governance,” she said.