Opinion
OF BPP AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BY GILBERT BWANSHAK
No doubt, the role of public procurement is very critical to economic growth and national development. In many ways, it is the veritable nexus between pricing, risk, sustainability, and geo-politics of a nation. Globally, it is a compass for gauging, regulating, and preventing public corruption towards emplacing good governance and meaningful development. A school of thought believes that an effective and efficient public procurement system is the antidote towards achieving growth in any economy. It further argues that, through open, credible, and competitive bidding in public procurement, financial leakages are blocked. Another school of thought is even more direct, frank, and blunt. It concludes that robust technical processes for public procurement; anchored on due diligence, transparency would curtail, if not eradicate issues of slush funds, kickbacks, and exploitative filtering of national wealth.
Before returning to democracy in May 1999, proper public procurement was largely non-existent. With successive military governments, the rules, regulations, procedures, and practices were largely regimental, limited, and constrained. There were no codified processes, and uniformity of operations. Some other pitfalls were limited competition, absence of value for money, lack of access to information, and discriminatory actions. This glaring lack of proper regulations and coordination led to serial mismanagement of public funds. Poor development planning and atrocious delivery of public services became regular fixtures. Many people believe that the concomitant effect of these incidences led to stymied growth in the country.
Between 2003 and 2007, with the return to democracy, the Federal Government emplaced institutional, legal and regulatory reforms in different sectors. One of these led to the enactment of the Public Procurement Act, (PPA) in 2007; which gave birth to the Bureau of Public Procurement, (BPP). The major planks of the PPA are: regulation of procurement through the BPP; establishment of standards in procurement; giving access to information for participants and the general public; fighting corruption. The BPP, as the agency legally charged with the implementation and regulations of public procurement carries out these functions: policy formulation, management, and oversight; enforcement of public procurement standards; information management and dissemination; capacity building; research and publication. The BPP powers include implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the PPA; inspection and reviews; information management; prevention of fraudulent, biased, and unfair procurement services.
For many years, not many people knew about the BPP. Perhaps, for others, it only existed in names. More disturbingly, many people were oblivious of its strategic position in the realization of realistic national growth and development. For a few others, their perceptions about the BPP was not positive. Though previous administrations did their respective best but stakeholders believe it was not good enough. Some professionals reeled out incidents of alleged misconducts, malfeasance, and arbitraniness. There were alleged instances of under-the-table dealings, circumvention of procurement processes, MDAs and BPP connivance with different entities, and the creation of leakages in government’s finances. Some other stakeholders alluded to the cases of undue favouritism, nepotism, and wrong, deliberate mis-postings; which contributed largely to its non-performances in the past few years.
Sadly, the previous administrations did not realize the importance of public procurement as the platform through which the implementation of programmes and policies are done. It is the BPP that breakdown; into concrete terms all the ideas, intentions, and desire of government. Every plan and policies for national socio-economic development, which comes in budgets and appropriations are given life by the BPP through public procurement. The performances of government in providing health, infrastructure, roads, education, and other sector to the citizens are dependent on well-planned, and executed procurement processes by the BPP. Many stakeholders argue that since responsive and responsible governance thrives on the delivery of goods and services to the people, public procurement remains essential and necessary. For this group of professionals, and some other people, the government cannot shove aside the relevance of the BPP in any of its policy, programmes, and initiative.
When President Bola Tinubu was sworn into office in May 2023, he took an unfamiliar, different route in the appointment of chief executive officers to some key agencies. In doing this, he identified government organizations that are key to the delivery of goods and services to the people. Also, their respective roles in the realization of his agenda may have necessitated the actions. Further, given his decades-long expertise in public financing, risk management, corporate governance, and other related disciplines, Tinubu’s decisions may have been deliberate and intentional. Not minding scheming, manoeuvre, lobbying, and public comments, he was focussed, resolute, and determined. His eyes were on the ball; thoughts on the bigger picture. He envisaged the milestones these agencies would achieve with the right persons in charge.
With the passage of time, some stakeholders believed that the BPP may be one of the agencies identified to play strategic roles in the Tinubu administration. In November last year, after about 20 months into office as the 5th President in the 4th Republic, Tinubu appointed Dr. Adebowale Adedokun as the Director-General of the BPP. With over two decades experience in public procurement, both within and outside the country, Adedokun, who rose through the rungs to become the agency’s Director of Research, Training, and Strategic Planning was described as the best for the job by the majority of stakeholders. For many, his appointment signposts the understanding of procurement issues as it relates to national development by Tinubu. Some others eulogize him for recognizing the profession, and ensuring that one of its members oversees the agency. Many others commended Tinubu for considering competence, character, expertise, and capacity in the choice of Adedokun.
True to expectations, Adedokun literally hit the ground running barely hours after resumption of office. Convinced that procurement connects the citizenry with the government towards delivering values, and meeting the satisfaction of end-users, he anchored his vision on reforms in public procurement. These are monetary thresholds implementation guidelines; national procurement strategy; food procurement initiative; the return of mobility of procurement officers to the Bureau. He identified community and affirmative procurement; institutional collaborations and partnerships; Nigerian E-Market; and revised standard bidding documentations as the enablers of the reforms. The reforms are geared towards transparency; efficiency; accountability; and ensuring that public funds achieve value for money through quality, competitive, and life-cycle costing in procurement decisions. They are expected to ensure effective use of public utilities; reduce corruption; strengthen governance; guarantee service delivery; align with global best practices.
At the inception, though many people did not doubt his passion for hard work, and commitment to excellence, there were worries and doubts about the numerous landmines of bureaucracy and subterfuge. Somehow, Adedokun has continually surmounted obstacles, and moved forward in the discharge of his duties. This has been made possible with the endorsement, and approvals of Tinubu to the BPP’s policies that has direct impacts on the people, and positive effects on the country. The unwavering support of other top government officials and colleagues across the MDAs are pivotal. Alliances, partnerships, and collaborations forged with local and foreign associations have contributed to the success-rating of BPP. Unlike the past, public perceptions, believability, and responsiveness of the Bureau are very encouraging.
One year of his leadership at BPP, has led to remarkable achievements. Some of these includes the establishment of price intelligence and benchmarking unit for real-time market data; increased monetary thresholds for public procurements; enforcement of due process, regular reviews, and tackling of identified leakages in the procurement processes. Others are saving Nigeria over 173 billion naira, and huge sums of money in other foreign currencies from contract frauds; establishment and recognition of the Procurement Officers Management System to enhance professionalism, and tracking career progression; continuous capacity building for procurement officers. It also include the introduction of the debarment policy, and some other outdated clauses and practices that are inconsistent with global procurement practices; the adoption of BPP’s reform policies by a few African countries. That these and more notable landmarks were achieved in a year, is a worthy testament of political will, visionary leadership, fervour for excellence, and unity of purpose.
As Adedokun and his team remains determined in re-positioning the BPP towards achieving its goals, they should be mindful of certain potential booby-traps. Fight backs by a few stakeholders who are aversed to change, and improvement of processes; other entities and people who are resistant to dynamism; capacity gaps of procurement professionals in the MDAs; undue political pressures. Given the volume of its activities, and the urgency of timely delivery, it has become imperative for the Federal Government to provide, and increase tools necessary for enhanced services. Better funding, employment of more staff members, befitting office space, provision of vehicles, and other relevant equipment will no doubt energize the BPP to do more.
* Citizen Gilbert Bwanshak, a Leadership & Governance Strategist writes from Jos.
A Spotlight By Nnolim Nnaji, Member House Of Representatives
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, Enugu State has quietly emerged as one of Nigeria’s safest and fastest-growing economy under Governor Peter Mbah. Three years in, the administration’s narrative is shifting from laying foundations to scaling transformation, anchored on an audacious goal: a $30 billion economy by 2031.
The numbers back the ambition. Enugu’s 2026 budget stands at ₦1.62 trillion, a 66.5% jump from 2025. What’s striking isn’t just the size, but the structure. 80% of the budget, ₦1.296 trillion, is allocated to capital projects, breaking the recurrent-heavy spending pattern that has trapped most Nigerian states. The shift is powered by a surge in internally generated revenue. IGR contributes 51% of the 2026 budget, roughly ₦825.9 billion, cutting the state’s overdependence on federal allocations and giving Enugu more fiscal autonomy to execute its plans.
Security was the first wall Mbah’s team had to break. By tackling insecurity head-on, Enugu has become one of the safest states in the country, a prerequisite for investment. Phase 2 of the state’s surveillance system, budgeted at ₦11 billion, will deploy CCTV and searchlights at bus stops, junctions, and highways, all linked to a central command center. That sense of security has translated directly into investors confidence. In the last three years, Enugu secured over £500 million in foreign direct investment, with another £2 billion in the pipeline. The pitch to investors is simple: internal rate of return projections of 25-40% making Enugu one of the most competitive emerging-market destinations in Nigeria. The result is visible in the rankings, with the state climbing from 36th to 6th in Nigeria’s ease of doing business index. With the proposed coal power generation plant set to come on stream, more FDI inflows are expected.
Infrastructure has been the most visible proof point. The administration is pushing legacy road projects like the 40km Owo–Ubahu–Amankanu–Neke–Ikem Dual Carriageway, the Abakpa Nike–Ugwogo Nike–Ekwegbe–Opi–Nsukka Road, the Amodu–Akpugo–Akpawfu–Amagunze Road, and upgrades of Enugu–Abakaliki Expressway. The 2026 plan targets 1,200 urban roads and numerous rural roads, ensuring every LGA gets a major project. The goal is to eliminate the rural-urban connectivity gap that has stifled trade and access for decades.
Human capital and basic services are getting the same treatment. The 260 Smart Green Primary Schools and 260 Type-2 Primary Health Centers, one per ward, are nearing completion. Water supply is being revamped through the 9th Mile 24/7 Scheme, Ajali, and Oji River projects. These sit alongside a 10,000-hectare smart city development as a mixed-use commercial and residential hub. If delivered, the schools, health centers, and roads address two of Enugu’s longest-standing pain points: education access and connectivity.
The abandoned International Conference Center and the presidential hotel have been completed to position the state as a hub for regional and national events, tourism, and business summits. At the same time, construction of a state-of-the-art specialist hospital is underway to raise the standard of healthcare delivery and reduce medical tourism out of the state. These projects signal a push to build the kind of infrastructure that attracts investors, skilled professionals, and high-value events.
A less discussed but critical pillar is the revamp of ailing state-owned companies. For years, Enugu’s public enterprises existed mostly on paper, draining resources without delivering value. The Mbah administration is restructuring them for commercial viability and private sector participation, turning dormant assets into revenue-generating ventures, creating jobs, and reducing the burden on the state treasury. This aligns with the broader strategy of mobilizing private capital to complement public spending and accelerate GDP growth from the current ∼$4 billion toward the $30 billion target.
The administration’s boldest signal to the world is Enugu Air. Launched to position Enugu as a regional aviation and logistics hub, the airline plans to grow its fleet to 20 aircraft and expand operations beyond Nigeria by the end of 2026. It already connects the South to the North with daily flights between Enugu and Kano. Enugu is no longer content being a transit point. It has become a destination.
Three years in, the Mbah model is clear: spend on capital, not overhead; secure the state, then market it; and use data-driven incentives like high IRR projections to attract private capital. The risk is execution. Delivering 1,200 roads, functional smart schools, a modern hospital, a completed conference center, revived industries, and a functioning airline in one term is a heavy lift. But if even half of it lands, Enugu will have redefined what subnational governance can achieve in Nigeria.
A Spotlight on Enugu State by Nnolim Nnaji, A member of the House of Representatives
BY BOLAJI AFOLABI
In the last three to four weeks, the political barometer across the country was charged, as many politicians jostled for various elective positions. Across the major and minor parties, the quest to emerge candidates for states Houses of Assemblies; House of Representatives; Senate; and Governorship brought some frenzy to the political space. As weeks rolled into days, there were clear demarcations and categorization of the aspirants – the serious contenders; the ‘also ran’ group; the ‘coupon’ players; and the outright jokers. Fact is that, each of these were noticeable in all the political parties. From the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP); Social Democratic Party, (SDP); Labour Party, (LP); African Democratic Congress, (ADC); and the newbies Nigerian Democratic Congress, (NDC), politicians of varied persuasion and leanings, with rational and irrational thoughts, as well as sincere and insincere reasons dominated national discussions. All angling for the same thing – candidacies!
At the end of primary elections in virtually all the parties, the dust is clearer, and the cacophony of drama, theatrics has given way to some order in the polity. Away from the buzzing sounds and nuzzling noise, the wheat has been separated from the chaff. To a large extent, there are certainties as to who runs for what in the forthcoming general elections. As expected, the struggle was more fierce in the APC than any other party. Given the peculiarities of our political system, and the mindsets of many politicians, the gravitation towards the APC was readily foretold. With Governors, members of the National Assembly, and some other notable politicians swarming into the ruling party in droves, one cannot expect the contrary during primaries.
Being a beautiful bride, the APC primaries threw up aspirants of varied shapes and sizes. However, at the end of the processes, popular names, not so popular, and fresh faces emerged as the party’s flag bearers for different elective positions in the 2027 polls. From the North to the South, East and West, it was the same. While some outgoing Governors cleared the way for their successors, others emerged as candidates for the Senate – which has become the retirement haven for states chief executives. Also, some preferred choices were railroaded into changing nomenclatures from aspirants to candidates for other elective positions. Though this trend was prevalent in many states, there were few exceptions; where true democratic contests took place.
The APC primaries for Ondo South Senatorial District was one. The list of aspirants who jostled for the ticket included some notable politicians – whose respective resumes are intimidating. Former and present federal legislators, senior party executives, top officials in the state and federal agencies, and some other personalities threw their hats in the ring. For those who understand the place, position, and present status of Ondo South, the number and calibre of aspirants that pushed to be the candidate of the APC was not a misnomer. Variously described as the ‘maritime hub’ and the untapped ‘blue economy wealth’ of the “Sunshine State” the realities of developmental decays and infrastructural deficits that pervade the partly riverine Senatorial District remain painful and pitiable. At the end of the primaries, Dr. I.D Kekemeke emerged the winner with 35, 835 votes – other aspirants including Hon. Akinfolarin Mayowa Samuel, and Hon. Morayo Lebi scored 6,435 and 1,845 respectively.
Considering the tendencies of Nigerian politics, the writer sought for details about the Ondo South Senatorial primaries. The inquisition was driven by one reason. Sometime in October 2025, one was invited to a get-together in honour of Kekemeke by one of his loyal, reliable, and trusted friends; Architect Stephen Adamu, the Principal Partner and Chief Executive of Pine Projects Limited – one of Abuja’s flourishing architectural firms. By the way, the occasion was to celebrate the Ondo-born politician’s academic feat of earning a Doctorate degree in Law. Kekemeke came across as an unusual personality, uncommon politician, who is outrightly frank, disarmingly humble and altruistic in thought and practice. Fortunately, his participation in the primaries provided an opportunity to authenticate or otherwise these attributes from a few of one’s friends and colleagues – though not politicians – but are bonafide indigenes of the District.
Comrade Adebari Ijadola, a civil rights activist described Kekemeke as, “a well grounded politician whose integrity has never been in doubt, a resourceful networker and bridge-builder whose relational capacities will drive good governance and benefit Ondo South.” A paramilitary service officer who pleaded anonymity said, “he is the best person to address unemployment, youth restivness, and infrastructural decay in Ondo South.” He will leverage on his broad experiences in politics and public service for the general well-being and development of our people and district.” Mr. Tubosun Ayodeji, a serial entrepreneur believes that, “without sounding immodest, Kekemeke’s credibility, integrity, accessibility, and acceptance by many people across the State sets him apart from candidates of other parties.” Corroborating, Ms. Morenikeji Ademola, an educationist averred that, “unlike other politicians, he has always used his positions, both past and present to positively touch the lives of people and contributed to the development of the state.”
While R. Buckminster Fuller, a renowned philosopher said, “integrity is the essence of everything successful,” the legendary boxer, Muhammed Ali declared that, “service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth,” and an unnamed sociologist concludes that, “the greatest gift of all is the gift of service to humanity.” Indeed, further checks on Duerimini Isaac Kekemeke, widely called “D.I Kekemeke” or “Frank” is an encapsulation of these timeless words. His political career and public service odysseys are framed, driven by service to the people. He does this with unrestrained passion, unequivocal commitment, and unmistakable fervor. Making people the fulcrum of every engagement, he, at different levels and times, has always emerged as the compass for selfless service and purposeful leadership.
As the Minority Leader of the old Ondo State House of Assembly during the aborted Third Republic between 1992 and 1993, Kekemeke, as a young legislator provided the necessary leadership for the opposition caucus through robust advocacy, people-focussed initiatives, and the promotion of welfarist ideals which was the vision of his party. His records of service did not go unnoticed as he was appointed Member, Constitution Drafting Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in 1998. As the pioneer Board Chairman of the National Examinations Council, (NECO), between 2001 and 2004, he worked assiduously for national and international certifications of the agency’s examinations; standardization, credibility, and integrity of the examinations; established institutional stabilization, financial and administrative procedures, as well as curbing malpractices.
Further, Kekemeke was Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice; Commissioner for Works, Lands, Housing & Transport; as well as the Secretary to the Ondo State Government between 2003 and 2009. He among other things contributed to physical planning, building of housing estates, construction of over 1,000 km of roads, and the delivery of other infrastructures. He established the Office of the Public Defender which provided free legal services to indigent citizens; embarked on comprehensive justice reform and administration; alternative dispute resolution framework. As the “engine room” of the state government, he provided functional and efficient governance through policy ideation, coordination and execution.
Aside from Kekemeke’s legislative and executive experiences, he is proficient in political administration occupying positions that are critical to party development. He was the pioneer Chairman, Ondo State chapter of the APC; National Vice Chairman (South West), APC; re-elected into the same position in 2025. Given the near-total endorsement of his aspiration within and outside the party and across the state, Kekemeke’s chances of being a Senator at the end of the January 23, 2027 general elections look promising. How well he meets the expectations of his constituents thereafter, remains in the belly of time. Like the legendary Jimmy Cliff sang, “Time Will Tell!”
* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.
By Emmanuel Agaji
Since the Rivers gubernatorial primary election was concluded so many things that are indescribable mounted the centre stage with the man Rep Kingsley Chinda in the eye of the storm.
In his usual stoic style of doing things the man Rep Chinda has moved on to issues that will help him galvanize the state into greater heights of excellence if elected governor next year.
Too much talk has never been part of him, the language he understands best even on the floor of the legislature is delivery not over stretched grammar that will not deliver his goal.
This largely contributed to his being voted the most meticulous lawmaker in the National Assembly in two different assemblies.
He delivers his motions and bills with the precision of a marksman targeting a long distance subject.
Rivers state is a microcosm of the entity known as Nigeria parading major ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta race but at this particular moment what the oil rich state needs is peace and stability not ethnic jingoism.
Going by the feelers from the State, Rep Chinda is largely seen as a good man who anchors everything he does on humanity laced with the glory of God.
He is not truly a quick tempered person as he tries to control this with maturity which made him one of the astute legislators in this clime.
As a legislator he asks diligent questions that will manifest what the legislature is seeking to deliver during its legislative business sessions.
This earned him the accolade of a truth seeker with the sole aim of correcting the wrongs of the past and deliver the goods from the corrections to the doorsteps of Nigerians.
If Rivers people really need a God fearing delivery man, it is OK Chinda who understands the mechanics of Rivers State delivery system as he has been part of the delivery system for more than 25 years.
As Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency Rep, he studied his people and discovered that the approach to use is to teach his people on how to fish rather than doling out bounties that ends at one meal.
He went into the drawing board and created ‘I win u Win’ program for both indigenes and non-indigenes of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency.
Between 2012 till date OK Chinda embarked on massive training of the residents across all sectors, from health care delivery, maritime, agro allied, IT training, scholarship scheme , purchase of JAMB forms scholarship for outstanding JAMB candidates, sewing, shoe making, empowerment for women, welding and skills acquisition in different trades including massive training of teachers across the constituency in both private and public schools.
In the understanding of this writer, this is corporate governance taken to the hilt as no segment is left out in all the sectors of the economy of the constituency. Here in Nigeria it’s called giving back to society.
The man Chinda is an unusual jinx breaker and a record smasher. As the Chairman of Public Accounts Committee, PAC one of the constitutionally recognized National Assembly committees he smashed all records.
Between 2015 and 2019 Chinda smashed all the records. First chairman to deliver two fully audited reports from 1999 till 2019. First committee chairman to make his committee e-compliant in Nigeria. Go and check the records!
Chinda has given back at the microcosm (Constituency level) at the macrocosm (State level) he would rejig the Rivers delivery system to the benefits of all Rivers people and ensure that peace remains his watchword in the Garden City of Nigeria.
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