Projects: BPP Blames Poor Implementation On Misaligned Budget

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

The Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, has blamed misaligned budgeting, inadequate capacity, weak audit synergy and poor project planning as the major challenges undermining successful implementation of public projects.

Director-General of BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun stated this at the 2026 National Assembly Open Week with the theme, “Three Years of the 10th National Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform.”

He said that frequent changes in the composition of the National Assembly made continuous capacity building necessary to ensure that lawmakers have a clear understanding of procurement processes and their oversight responsibilities.

The DG sought stronger synergy between relevant committees of the national assembly and the BPP, adding that procurement audit reports submitted by the bureau could strengthen legislative oversight of contract awards, implementation and beneficiaries.

He expressed concern over discrepancies in the 2026 budget, adding that some projects classified as ongoing were not actually in progress, while others were assigned to MDAs without the technical competence to execute them.

Adedokun enjoined the national assembly to refocus attention beyond the Federal level.

“How do you explain that 52 per cent of all government allocation goes to Local Governments and states? We are too focused on the Federal, while the bulk of money today lies in the states and Local Governments. Why are we building a borehole at the Federal level? Why are we constructing streetlights?” he said.

Adedokun condemned the appropriation of funds for unplanned projects, adding that the Public Procurement Act 2007 criminalised the award of contracts without proper planning and approved procurement plans.

He stated that the BPP lacked the capacity to monitor every project nationwide, pleading with civil society organisations to utilise legal provisions permitting them to monitor bid openings and demand accountability in project implementation.

The DG called for a review of the current funding approach for projects, adding that the existing system was contributing to delays in project execution.

“Should we continue to fund projects expected to last between 10 and 15 years at the current rate? You see a project that should be completed in three years receiving funding for only one year.

“You also see another that should be completed in one year, receiving no funding. We are putting ourselves in a very difficult situation,” he said.

Adedokun noted that MDAs previously presented performance reports before defending fresh budget proposals, describing the practice as an effective mechanism for improving transparency and accountability in public expenditure.

He argued that the BPP was undertaking 23 major reforms aimed at repositioning public procurement, and expressed confidence that parliamentary support would help reduce abandoned projects and restore public confidence.

The DG noted that the bureau had directed all MDAs to incorporate provisions for persons with disabilities in standard bidding documents in line with existing legislation, just as he noted that the bureau had also introduced sustainability requirements into procurement processes to ensure that contracts contribute to job creation, enterprise development and broader national economic growth.

He reiterated the bureau’s commitment to open governance, adding that closer collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen procurement reforms, improve project delivery and enhance public trust in government institutions.

Adedokun solicited for stronger collaboration between the Legislature and the Executive to curb project abandonment and improve accountability, noting that the partnership would facilitate value for money in public procurement and guarantee that Nigerians derive maximum benefits from public expenditure.