The Federal Government has introduced a new policy framework to standardise the procurement of medicines and health products nationwide, in an effort to ensure quality, affordability, and value for money in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mamman Ahmadu, announced the policy on Thursday in Abuja at the Celebration of Success ceremony for graduates of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Level 4 Qualification Programme.

Ahmadu said the policy would professionalise health sector procurement, curb waste, eliminate fake drugs, and prevent inflated contracts by introducing clear procedures and requirements for sourcing, purchasing, and delivering medicines and medical supplies across public health institutions.

“We have embedded a standard bidding document for health procurement and sourcing strategy frameworks. We have also issued a policy for procurement of health products to standardise health sector procurements and ensure quality, affordability, and value at all levels,” Ahmadu said.

He explained that the initiative aligns Nigeria’s procurement practices with global best practices and allows government resources to deliver maximum impact for patients.

The BPP boss revealed that the next phase of reforms will prioritise community-based procurement targeting women, youth, and persons with disabilities, to make procurement more inclusive and beneficial to citizens.

He urged the newly certified procurement professionals to register on the National Procurement Officers Management System to strengthen transparency, oversight, and accountability.

“Procurement will no longer be illicit, but for the ordinary people of our great nation. Those certified today are now part of a crop of experts capable of transforming the system from within,” he said.