The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has launched a free digital training portal to equip Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the knowledge and skills needed to compete for Nigerian government’s contracts across the country.
The initiative is aimed at addressing barriers that prevent small businesses from effectively participating in public procurement opportunities.
Unveiling the portal in Abuja on Tuesday, the BPP Director-General, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, described the initiative as another milestone in the Nigerian Government’s commitment to strengthening procurement capacity and expanding opportunities for businesses in the country.
Adedokun explained that the platform was designed to bridge knowledge gaps, improve business readiness and equip MSMEs with practical skills to navigate government procurement processes.
READ ALSO: BPP, UNDP Partner to Strengthen Procurement Reforms
“This includes identifying contract opportunities, preparing bids, and managing contract delivery and performance,” he said.
The BPP Director-General noted that MSMEs accounted for approximately 96 per cent of businesses in Nigeria and contributed 50 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Despite their significant contribution to the economy, many small businesses continue to face barriers to participating successfully in public procurement.
“This includes inadequate knowledge of procurement procedures, limited technical capacity and difficulties understanding bidding requirements,” Adedokun observed.
He said the digital portal was developed to address these challenges by providing practical, accessible and free learning resources tailored to Nigeria’s procurement environment.
“The training platform features interactive modules, quizzes, practical examples and a certificate of completion, with content designed to guide participants through the entire government procurement cycle,” he explained.
The platform can be accessed through computers, tablets and smartphones and is optimised to accommodate users with limited internet bandwidth.
Adedokun stressed that sound procurement planning, legally enforceable contractual agreements and effective contract management remained essential safeguards for ensuring value for money, accountability and the successful delivery of government projects.
He said the initiative also prioritised inclusiveness by supporting women-owned and women-led businesses, youth entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities and veterans, who often face additional barriers to accessing public procurement markets.
The bureau is also reviewing existing barriers to MSME participation in public procurement following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of community-based procurement and affirmative procurement initiatives, he disclosed.
The review is aimed at creating a more inclusive, accessible and enabling procurement environment for small businesses across the country.
Adedokun expressed optimism that the training programme would reduce information gaps, strengthen business competitiveness and promote professionalism among MSMEs seeking to participate in government procurement.
He cautioned, however, that completing the training would not guarantee the award of government contracts, noting that the procurement system remained governed by the principles of competition, transparency, accountability and value for money.
The BPP chief urged MSMEs nationwide to take advantage of the free training opportunity to improve their capacity and prepare for responsible participation in public procurement.
He also called on business owners, entrepreneurs, professional associations, trade groups and private-sector institutions to raise awareness about the portal and encourage their members to participate in the training.
Adedokun emphasised the importance of collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, development partners and accountability agencies in strengthening public procurement.
He reiterated the bureau’s commitment to promoting value for money and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians through an efficient, transparent and inclusive procurement system.
The Director-General expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting initiatives aimed at promoting institutional excellence, enterprise development and capacity building.
NAN
