‘How BPP prevented ₦1.9tr fraud in 17 years’

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), a key player in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, has revealed that its efforts over the past 17 years have saved the nation a staggering ₦1.9 trillion from contract fraud and inefficiencies.

This disclosure was made by BPP Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, during the agency’s 2025 budget defense before the Senate Committee on Public Procurement on Thursday.

He emphasized the Bureau’s pivotal role in combating financial misconduct in government contracts since its establishment in June 2007.

“BPP has fundamentally reshaped public procurement in Nigeria by enforcing transparency, fairness, and efficiency in contract awards and execution. We’ve saved the nation an average of ₦40 billion annually from inflated contracts and diversion of funds,” Adedokun stated.

He further highlighted the Bureau’s contribution to revenue growth for agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Pension Commission (PENCOM), crediting its rigorous oversight processes for stemming financial leakages.

However, despite its success, he lamented that the BPP is grappling with severe funding challenges.
Adedokun decried the significant disparity between the agency’s proposed capital expenditure of ₦63.5 billion and the ₦1.57 billion allocated by the budget office for 2025.

“This shortfall will severely limit our ability to address critical operational issues such as replacing outdated monitoring vehicles purchased in 2008, resolving staff accommodation challenges, and rolling out the long-awaited e-procurement program,” he warned.

The Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Olajide Ipinsagba (APC, Ondo North), also raised concerns about the Bureau’s limited manpower.
With 158 staff, the BPP is tasked with overseeing contracts across more than 800 government agencies.

“It’s unrealistic to expect the Bureau to deliver optimal results with such a lean workforce,” Senator Ipinsagba remarked.

He directed the BPP to include plans for staff recruitment in its 2025 budget proposal to enhance operational efficiency.