In a major move aimed at boosting local industries and reinforcing the “Nigeria First” policy, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure that all federal government procurement adheres to Nigerian Industrial Standards. This partnership, finalized at the BPP headquarters in Abuja, promises to prioritize the use of locally produced goods, works, and services that meet approved quality benchmarks.
The MoU, signed by Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the BPP, and Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of SON, is a strategic move to align the federal government’s procurement processes with national quality standards. The agreement underlines both agencies’ commitment to improving local production, ensuring transparency in government spending, and ensuring that government projects use only high-quality, reliable materials.
Dr. Adedokun emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This MoU underscores our commitment to advancing local production, improving project outcomes, and ensuring that government procurement directly benefits Nigerians.” His words were echoed by Dr. Okeke, who highlighted the role of SON in maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards for all products procured by the government.
This collaboration is also designed to align with the “Nigeria First” policy, which seeks to stimulate local industries, create jobs, and reduce the country’s reliance on imported goods. With this MoU in place, the BPP will now work more closely with SON to ensure that all items procured by the government meet the necessary standards of safety, durability, and quality, which will ultimately contribute to the sustainability of projects and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian industries.
In practical terms, this partnership will see SON’s standards applied to various sectors of public procurement, ranging from construction materials to office equipment, ensuring that each item purchased is of local origin and adheres to approved quality standards. This move is expected to foster greater accountability and transparency in the management of public funds, reduce waste, and promote Nigerian businesses.
Both the BPP and SON have underscored the importance of working together to improve public procurement processes, with a focus on quality assurance and value for money. By ensuring compliance with Nigerian Industrial Standards, they are setting the stage for more efficient use of government resources while strengthening the local economy.
