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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
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled suspected terrorists during an ambush operation along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno.
Security sources said the encounter occurred late on March 13 when troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the 134 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, laid an ambush along the main supply route between Marte and Dikwa in Borno State.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with a group of terrorists moving on bicycles at about 10:15 p.m.
The troops immediately engaged the insurgents forcing them to withdraw into nearby bushes.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered the corpse of one suspected terrorist, four bicycles and other sundry items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
The Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has hailed the appointment of Nigeria’s foremost table tennis administrator, Wahid Oshodi to the Board of World Table Tennis (WTT).
Hon. Mailantarki described the appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” noting that Oshodi’s elevation to the game’s apex commercial body is a testament to his track record of excellence.
Oshodi, who is the current President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), was appointed as a Director to represent the ITTF on the WTT Board alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria and a victory for the African continent,” Mailantarki stated.
“Barrister Oshodi has risen through the ranks from the national level to the continental stage with a vision that has transformed the sport.
“Having him as a decision-maker at the highest level of World Table Tennis ensures that African interests are well-represented.”
The NTTF Vice President further congratulated the Nigerian sports community, emphasizing that Oshodi’s presence in the WTT inner circle will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and commercialization of the game globally.
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued six kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gun battle in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists suspected to be transporting abducted victims through forest routes in the area.
According to the sources, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gurara, under Sub-Sector 4 of Operation FANSAN YANMA, responded swiftly to the intelligence at about 7 a.m. on March 14.
The troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the terrorists around Sabon Kurutu Village in Kachia LGA.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning some items,” the source said.
Following the engagement, troops combed the general area and successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. However, a seventh victim, a minor, was reported to have died during the crossfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists.
Troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the movement of the abducted victims.
Preliminary interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that they were abducted earlier on March 14 from Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims said they had been moved through forest routes by the terrorists before the troops intercepted them.
The rescued victims and the body of the deceased minor were evacuated to Katari Hospital for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
Military sources said families of the rescued victims had been contacted.
The Military said the troops 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA and other task force has continued sustained offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West region.
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
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