Federal Government has directed that no new public contract should be awarded without confirmed funding, in a move aimed at improving project delivery and addressing the persistent challenge of unpaid contractors across the country.
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, announced the directive on Thursday June 4 in Abuja during the inaugural edition of The Procurement Evolution event.
Adedokun said President Bola Tinubu approved the measure as part of efforts to strengthen the procurement system and ensure contractors are paid promptly for completed jobs.
Accordint has issued a directive that government agencies must secure funding before awarding contracts.
“The President has given a directive on when funds should be raised to address contractor concerns,” Adedokun said. “No award will be further issued without resources or funding available.”
He explained that the g to him, the Presidennew policy links payment directly to procurement processes, a development expected to improve fiscal discipline and ensure value for money in public spending.
The BPP boss also disclosed that the Federal Government is implementing 23 procurement reforms designed to enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability in the management of public resources.
He said committees responsible for driving the reforms would soon be inaugurated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Adedokun noted that the reforms were expected to deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians through improved infrastructure and public services, including better roads, hospitals and schools, as well as support for workers’ welfare.
Speaking at the event, the SGF, Senator George Akume, described procurement as a critical component of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Abubakar Kana, Akume said ongoing reforms include amendments to the Public Procurement Act 2007, implementation of the Nigeria First Policy and the Nigeria e-Marketplace initiative.
He added that community-based procurement and affirmative procurement programmes were also being introduced to support local industries and promote economic inclusion. According to him, the reforms are designed to improve transparency, simplify procurement processes and leverage technology to eliminate inefficiencies in public service delivery.
“Our collective responsibility is very clear,” Kana said. “All stakeholders must work together to achieve shared national goals.”
He stressed the need to simplify procurement procedures without compromising accountability, noting that efficient procurement remains essential to effective service delivery and national development.
Kana reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Bureau of Public Procurement, expressing confidence that the reforms would serve as a catalyst for economic growth, infrastructure development and improved living standards for citizens.
The event brought together procurement stakeholders to discuss ongoing reforms and future initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s public procurement system.
