The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in tackling corruption within Nigeria’s procurement ecosystem.
The agreement was signed at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja by the Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun (FCIPS, ACFE), and the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN).
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Adedokun described the partnership as a milestone in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, noting that it signaled “renewed hope and a better future” for the country.
He commended the NBA President for being the first in the association’s history to take a direct interest in procurement, emphasizing that the MoU marked a new phase in advancing ethical standards in the sector.
“With the signing of this MoU, NBA and BPP will be well fortified to work for the Nigerian people. Procurement is about the law, and if the NBA is not playing a critical role, it means we are not ready for business,” Adedokun said.
He assured that the collaboration would prioritize capacity building, enforcement, and sanctions where necessary, adding that with NBA’s involvement, contract agreements would now be better protected in the interest of citizens.
While stressing the need to eliminate unfavourable clauses in contracts, the DG urged lawyers to not only pursue profit but also safeguard national interest.
In his remarks, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe recalled a recent visit of the association’s leadership to the BPP office where both parties agreed in principle to train lawyers as procurement professionals.
He reiterated that the BPP was mandated to ensure transparency in public procurement and curb corruption, warning that unless the processes were strengthened, “a significant portion of public funds used in procurement will end up in private pockets.”
The MoU is expected to open new avenues for collaboration between the legal profession and procurement regulators in driving accountability and good governance in Nigeria.