May 13, (THEWILL) – The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as relevant stakeholders, to ensure full compliance with the recently approved Presidential Directives on public procurement, warning that violations will attract strict sanctions.
In a statement signed by the Director-General of the Bureau, Dr. Adedokun Adebowale, the BPP instructed MDAs to immediately prioritise locally available goods and services in all procurement activities, in line with the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of the “Nigeria First” policy on May 5.
Adebowale warned that no procurement of foreign goods or services must proceed without valid justification and a prior written waiver from the Bureau. He threatened that any breach of the directive could lead to the cancellation of procurement processes and disciplinary action against erring officers.
The “Nigeria First” policy, according to the Bureau, is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity, competitiveness, and sustainability of local industries. It mandates government institutions to give preference to Nigerian products and services during public procurement.
Commending the President and the FEC for the initiative, the BPP urged all MDAs and procurement stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the policy as articulated by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a post-FEC media briefing.
Reiterating its commitment to the effective implementation of the directive, the Bureau announced plans to engage with procurement officers and other stakeholders to develop and operationalise a Local Content Compliance Framework. This framework will offer clear guidelines and support mechanisms to ensure compliance with the policy’s objectives.
As part of the implementation process, the BPP, in collaboration with development partners, is currently training procurement officers and contractors on the use of the newly revised 17 Standard Bidding Documents, including the Standard Bidding Document.
It also disclosed that a comprehensive Guideline on Local Content Compliance will soon be issued, with stakeholders expected to contribute to its development to foster shared ownership and broader understanding.
The Bureau added that it will carry out public sensitisation campaigns to create awareness and build support for the policy, while a Circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) will reinforce the implementation mandate across all government institutions.
Additionally, the statement revealed that the President has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue an Executive Order giving full legal backing to the new policy, ensuring nationwide enforcement.
Reaffirming its commitment to implementing the Presidential Directives, the BPP said it would immediately revise and enforce procurement guidelines to prioritise locally produced goods and indigenous solutions.
It will establish a Local Content Compliance Framework that applies to all federal government procurements and will create and maintain a register of high-quality Nigerian manufacturers and service providers regularly engaged by the government.
As the designated supervising agency, the BPP will oversee the deployment and management of procurement officers in all MDAs to ensure compliance without compromising operational efficiency.
All MDAs have been directed to ensure that locally available goods and services are prioritised in all procurement processes.
The procurement of foreign goods or services must not proceed without proper justification and a written waiver from the BPP.
Where local alternatives are unavailable, contracts must include provisions for technology transfer, local production, or skills development.
MDAs are also required to conduct an immediate audit of existing procurement plans and submit revised versions aligned with the “Nigeria First” policy.
The Bureau warned that violations will attract sanctions, including cancellation of procurement processes and disciplinary action against responsible officers.
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