Senate Seeks Greater Transparency as Public Procurement Agency Presents ₦32.1bn 2026 Budget, Reports ₦3.3trn Savings in 2025

By Inalegwu Osemi

The Senate Committee responsible for public procurement has called for enhanced transparency and clarity in the activities of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) as the agency appeared before lawmakers to present its 2026 budget proposal.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, underscored the necessity of accountability and openness in procurement processes.

He noted that transparency remains essential for guaranteeing value for money and reinforcing public trust in government expenditure.
While presenting the proposal, the Director-General of the Bureau, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, outlined a number of reforms implemented since he assumed office. According to him, the adoption of community-based procurement systems and the establishment of procurement frameworks at the state and local government levels have broadened economic participation and positively impacted the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
Dr. Adedokun further disclosed that the Bureau has generated savings of more than ₦3.3 trillion through its oversight and regulatory activities, underscoring its pivotal role in promoting efficiency and curbing financial leakages in public spending.
He also informed the committee of the Bureau’s intention to propose amendments to the Public Procurement Act by 2027, with the objective of reinforcing procurement regulations and enhancing operational efficiency. The proposed reforms will include the upgrading and proper categorisation of contractors to ensure that only qualified firms execute government projects.
On the agency’s budget performance, the Director-General revealed that although ₦4.032 billion was approved for the Bureau in the 2025 fiscal year, only 30 percent of the allocation was released, thereby affecting the execution of critical programmes.
For the 2026 fiscal year, the Bureau proposed ₦32.1 billion to support its growing responsibilities, including the digital transformation of procurement processes. Dr. Adedokun explained that procurement submissions will henceforth be processed electronically to boost efficiency, transparency, and excellence in service delivery.
While commending the Bureau for its accomplishments, the committee reiterated its insistence on sustained transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.
The budget defence forms part of the ongoing review by the National Assembly of budget proposals submitted by ministries, departments, and agencies in preparation for Nigeria’s 2026 fiscal year.