The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has inaugurated the Forum of State Directors-General of Public Procurement to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in public spending across the country.
The inauguration was held on Tuesday at the NGF Secretariat, Abuja, with procurement directors-general or their equivalents from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as development partners and other stakeholders, in attendance.
The Director-General of the NGF, Abdulallateef Shittu, said the initiative came at a critical time when Nigeria was seeking to recalibrate its economic architecture.
Shittu said public procurement was central to budget implementation and effective delivery of government projects, urging members of the forum to uphold professionalism, transparency and efficiency.
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adedokun, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was aware of and supported the initiative, which he said aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Adedokun said a transparent and effective procurement system could attract foreign investment, boost economic growth and stimulate domestic industries. He urged state procurement authorities to adhere to due process, fairness and transparency.
Also, Dr Osahanze Idahosa, who represented the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC) and Douglas Development Institute (DDI), commended Adedokun for promoting collaboration and capacity development in the sector.
Idahosa said strong sub-national procurement systems were essential for ensuring accountability and value for money in public spending, pledging continued support through training, research and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The newly elected Chairman of the forum, Ehimoni Ibiyomi, expressed appreciation to the NGF, BPP, World Bank and other development partners for supporting the establishment of the forum.
Ibiyomi said the forum would complement federal procurement reforms by strengthening state institutions, promoting professional development, digital procurement, data management, policy development and peer learning.
“We want a forum that does not merely meet, but delivers,” he said.
