BPP, Harley Reed Push Strategic Leadership to Drive Procurement Reforms
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and Harley Reed have urged public sector procurement leaders to embrace strategic thinking, innovation, integrity and effective teamwork to accelerate procurement reforms and improve service delivery in Nigeria.
The call was made at the Public Sector Procurement Leaders’ Forum, organised in partnership with Harley Reed in Abuja on Thursday, November 12, 2026, according to a press release issued on November 13 by Chijioke-Adindu Ijeoma, Head of Information and Public Relations, BPP. The forum was themed, “Leadership as the Cornerstone of Procurement Reform.”
The Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, represented by the Director of Civil Infrastructure Department, Engr. Nasir Bello, said the success of procurement reforms depended not only on robust legal frameworks, policies and technological platforms but also on the leadership, competence and commitment of those responsible for implementation.
Adedokun stressed the need to reposition public procurement from a routine administrative process focused on documentation and contract procedures to a strategic institutional function capable of delivering measurable benefits to citizens.
“Compliance with procurement laws and regulations remains fundamental; however, the ultimate measure of success is the extent to which public resources are utilised effectively to meet institutional objectives, deliver quality services and create tangible value for Nigerians,” he stated.
The BPP chief identified five critical responsibilities of effective procurement leaders: leading with integrity, positioning procurement as a strategic function, developing personnel and strengthening professional judgment, managing change effectively, and taking responsibility for results.
He also challenged procurement professionals to become actively involved in institutional planning, including needs identification, priority setting, budget preparation and the assessment of appropriate procurement and delivery options, rather than waiting until projects and contracts are ready for advertisement.
According to him, the early involvement of procurement professionals in institutional decision-making would enhance planning, minimise risks, improve efficiency and ensure that procurement outcomes align with organisational priorities.
In her remarks, Harley Reed Country Director, Ms. Grace Onosode, appreciated the BPP for sustaining its partnership with the organisation, describing the forum as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, professional engagement and practical discussions on strengthening procurement leadership.
Onosode urged participants to openly discuss challenges affecting procurement operations in their institutions, particularly bureaucratic bottlenecks, lengthy approval processes and other constraints undermining effective procurement delivery.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Harley Reed, Mr. William Tagoe, emphasised the need to align institutional strategies with policies and operational procedures, noting that procurement processes must be deliberately designed to support broader organisational objectives.
Tagoe called on procurement professionals to move beyond routine administrative duties and adopt a forward-looking approach that anticipates institutional needs, identifies efficiency opportunities and promotes value creation.
“Procurement should not be limited to implementing approved budgets. It must play an active role in anticipating institutional needs, supporting strategic planning and identifying opportunities to create value while ensuring that decisions are transparent, accountable and defensible,” he said.
He further urged participants to translate the knowledge acquired at the forum into practical institutional improvements, stressing that the success of the engagement would be measured by the positive changes introduced in their respective organisations.
The interactive session featured experience-sharing and discussions on operational challenges, professional collaboration and people-centred leadership. Participants underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment where team members can freely express their views, take responsibility, acknowledge mistakes and collectively develop solutions.
The forum brought together directors and heads of procurement departments, procurement and supply chain professionals, as well as other stakeholders, to examine how strategic leadership and professional collaboration could accelerate procurement reforms and enhance institutional performance.
Adedokun reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to sustained engagement with strategic partners and stakeholders to advance procurement professionalism, strengthen institutional capacity and promote transparency, accountability, efficiency and value for money in public procurement.
