The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s procurement system to promote inclusivity, particularly in the agricultural sector, and ensure the participation of all stakeholders, including women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Speaking at a workshop on Inclusivity in Agriculture Procurement organised by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) in Abuja on Monday, BPP Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, said the move is critical for driving growth and transformation in the nation’s agricultural sector.
Represented by the Head of Research, Training & Strategic Planning, Adesina Mokuolu, Adedokun emphasized that inclusion in agricultural procurement means opening decision-making, funding, and participation opportunities to all. He stressed that smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs, and rural communities must not be excluded from benefiting directly from government investments.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, engaging millions, especially women and small-scale farmers who are custodians of our food systems. Yet, barriers such as limited access to credit, market information, and fair competition persist, hindering their full participation,” he said.
While acknowledging the progress made by the BPP in promoting transparency and fairness in procurement, Adedokun admitted challenges still exist, including inadequate support for smallholder farmer groups, gender bias, and administrative hurdles. He urged stakeholders to advocate reforms, invest in capacity-building, and amplify the voices of rural farmers, women, and youth in procurement processes.
“Together, we can build agricultural systems that are not only productive and resilient but equitable—ensuring no group is left behind in Nigeria’s journey toward food security and sustainable prosperity,” he added.
In his remarks, the Lead Director of CSJ, Barr. Eze Onyekpere, described agriculture as Nigeria’s largest employer of labour and emphasized the need for inclusive policies to drive poverty reduction and sustainable growth.
