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BPP Calls for Reforms to Allow for Inclusivity in Agricultural Procurement
BPP Calls for Reforms to Allow for Inclusivity in Agricultural Procurement
By: Michael Mike
The Bureau of Public Procurement has called for reforms in the procurement system in the country especially for agriculture to ensure inclusivity of all major stakeholders and strata.
Speaking at the Workshop on
Inclusivity in Agriculture Procurement organised by the Centre for Social
Justice (CSJ) in Abuja on Monday, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public
Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, said the workshop on “Inclusivity in Agriculture Procurement,” convened by the International Budget Partnership and the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria as part of the transformative “Engaging for Systems Change and Transformation” project is coming at an important time when the nation’s agricultural sector is yearning for development and needs to take its rightful position in the push for Nigeria’s economic growth.
Represented by the Head of the Research, Training & Strategic Planning Department.
Adesina Mokuolu, the DG said: “I extend gratitude for this opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on advancing inclusivity—an imperative for our nation’s agricultural and socioeconomic advancement.”
Adedokun while explaining that inclusion, in the context of agriculture procurement, means opening decision-making, funding,
and participation pathways to all stakeholders—especially women, youth, and marginalized groups, noted that: “It requires deliberate policies and practices that ensure that procurement systems do not exclude smallholders, women entrepreneurs, or rural communities from benefitting directly from government investments in agriculture.”
He noted that: “Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, engaging millions, including women and small-scale farmers who are the primary stewards of our land and food systems. Yet, barriers persist—ranging from limited access to credit, market information, and fair competition—hindering full participation in procurement opportunities. Addressing these barriers is not just ethical, but essential to national development, food security, and poverty reduction.”
The DG while acknowledging persistent challenges in the procurement system with limited outreach and capacity-building targeting rural women and youth, inadequate support for smallholder farmer organisations to compete in procurement
processes, and gender bias and administrative complexity in accessing government contracts, said: “The Bureau of Public Procurement is proud to have advanced transparency, fairness, and competitive processes in public procurement, including agricultural sector interventions.”
He called on participants to “let us seize this moment to renew our commitment to inclusive procurement and investment in agriculture. I urge all participants—policy-makers, local champions, and international
partners—to advocate for practical reforms, invest in capacity-building, and champion the voices of smallholder women and youth in procurement processes.”
He insisted that: “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.”
In his welcome address, the Lead Director of the Centre for Social Justice, Barr Eze Onyekpere noted that the agricultural sector has the greatest employer of Nigerians need to be sanitized to allow for everyone to be carried along and to allow for poverty to be effectively tackled.
He noted that everyone should be impacted in the policies and actions taken by government and the gaps noticed in the procurement processes should be abridged in order for inclusivity.
BPP Calls for Reforms to Allow for Inclusivity in Agricultural Procurement
Boko Haram claims victory over ISWAP in new video
By: Zagazola Makama
Boko Haram on Wednesday released a video taunting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over recent clashes in the northeast.
In the four-minute video, a Boko Haram member, appearing to speak on behalf of the group, claimed that their fighters had defeated ISWAP in a recent confrontation, asserting that “God will continue to defeat them.”
The speaker challenged those claiming that ISWAP had the upper hand, urging them to provide evidence through their Telegram or WhatsApp handles to substantiate such claims.
He further stated that in the recent encounter, ISWAP brought eight boats, all of which were captured or destroyed by Boko Haram, resulting in numerous casualties. Only a few militants reportedly escaped with two boats, according to the video.
The release of the video comes amid week long intensified clashes between Boko Haram and ISWAP in Borno and surrounding states, illustrating ongoing internal rivalry between
the extremist factions.
Boko Haram claims victory over ISWAP in new video
Forest guard shoots IDP dead in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A 19-year-old forestry guard ranger has allegedly shot dead an internally displaced person (IDP) at Rann camp in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, when the suspect, identified as Mohammed Abbalayi, allegedly fired an AK-47 rifle at the victim, Abba Kime Jugudum, aged 25.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI deployed in the area immediately responded, secured the scene, and recovered the weapon an AK-47 rifle along with 25 rounds of live ammunition.
The victim’s remains were evacuated to the General Hospital in Rann, where he was confirmed dead by a medical officer and later released to his relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
Sources told Zagazola that the suspect was discreetly transferred to Maiduguri for further investigation by relevant authorities.
Kala-Balge, located along the Nigeria–Cameroon border, hosts thousands of displaced persons affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
End
COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shuaibu, on Wednesday commended the security situation in Enugu State, noting significant improvements across the state.
Lt Gen Shuaibu, who was on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said his visit coincided with the closing ceremony of the Regular Short Service Module (RSM) Convention, aimed at strengthening leadership, discipline, and professional development among RSMs.
“I am pleased to report that security in Enugu has significantly improved, as briefed by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division. The state has shown remarkable cooperation with the military, which has enhanced operational effectiveness,” he said.
The COAS praised Governor Mbah for his support to the Army and pledged continued collaboration to protect lives and property in the state. He emphasized that the Army remains committed to sustaining peace and ensuring a safe environment for residents.
Highlighting the RSM Convention, Lt Gen Shuaibu noted that the programme equipped participants with knowledge to lead with integrity, mentor soldiers, and enhance discipline and regimentation within the Army.
Governor Mbah, in his remarks, welcomed the COAS and described his appointment as a “square peg in a square hole,” expressing confidence in his leadership and commitment to national security.
Mbah said it was an honor to host him in Enugu and formally congratulate him on his appointment. He commended the COAS for immediately hitting the ground running, noting that he had already visited the northeast to assess security operations.
Governor Mbah acknowledged the critical role of the military in ensuring a safe and secure environment, stating, “We could not have achieved the sort of safe and secure city and state that we have here today without the active support of the Army. This is a partnership, and this support is going to be sustained.”
He further emphasized the need for continued collaboration, expressing confidence that joint engagement between the state and the military would strengthen security objectives nationwide.
On behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, Governor Mbah warmly welcomed the COAS to the state and wished him a fruitful visit during the closing ceremony of the Regiment Seargent Major (RSM) Convention.
COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor
Boko Haram claims victory over ISWAP in new video
Forest guard shoots IDP dead in Borno
COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor
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