The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has commenced discussions with the Lagos Business School (LBS) on a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s public procurement system through capacity building, research, digital transformation and knowledge sharing.
The proposed collaboration was discussed during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Lagos Business School to the Bureau’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, the Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, represented by the Director of the Civil Infrastructure Department (CID), Engr. Nasir M. Bello, described the engagement as “timely and long overdue.”
He stressed the importance of institutional collaboration, noting that no organisation could achieve its objectives in isolation.
“No institution can work alone. It is time to build a collaborative understanding between the two institutions,” Bello said.
He explained that the Bureau’s responsibilities extend beyond procurement regulation to include institutional reforms and stakeholder engagement, adding that BPP has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with nearly 20 professional bodies and is keen to partner with LBS.
The Dean of Lagos Business School and Professor of Information Systems, Prof. Olayinka David-West, said the visit was intended to explore collaboration that would support public sector transformation and contribute to the Federal Government’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
She identified executive education, competency development, organisational transformation and the responsible application of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in procurement as key areas for collaboration.
David-West also noted that many of the Bureau’s reforms remain undocumented and proposed the development of case studies to preserve institutional knowledge and provide valuable learning resources for policymakers and future public sector leaders.
Also speaking, the Director of Executive Education at LBS, Mr. Victor Banjo, commended the Bureau’s efforts in promoting efficiency, transparency and accountability in public procurement.
He proposed the establishment of a joint working group to identify priority areas of collaboration and develop practical learning materials.
Other areas identified for collaboration include institutional strengthening, research and documentation, digital transformation, ethical procurement, and the possible establishment of a Centre for Public Procurement Studies to promote procurement best practices across Africa.
Responding, Bello welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to partnerships that enhance governance and improve public service delivery.
He proposed that the collaboration be formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, with both parties agreeing to constitute a joint committee to draft the agreement and develop an implementation roadmap.
The meeting also highlighted the Bureau’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including its World Bank-supported Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) platform.
Both institutions agreed that technology-driven reforms must be complemented by effective change management, leadership development and institutional readiness to ensure sustainable implementation.
They expressed optimism that the partnership would strengthen Nigeria’s procurement system, improve governance and help develop a new generation of ethical and competent public sector leaders.
