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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 repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have foiled a series of ambush attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Damasak–Gubio road in Magumeri axis of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the troops, who were on a fighting patrol as part of Operation Desert Sanity IV, came under fire from suspected terrorists on arrival at Binduldul.
Sources stated that the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. Reinforcements led by the Commanding Officer of the Battalion later exploited the scene, recovering two motorcycles, one AK-47 rifle, five blankets, three praying mats, a spare motorcycle tyre and two gallons of engine oil.
The sources added that one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter.
Furthermore, at about 3:05 p.m. on the same day, while withdrawing from the area, the troops encountered another ambush involving an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack followed by heavy gunfire from ISWAP fighters near Kardio village.
The soldiers successfully repelled the assault, safely detonated another IED along their main supply route, and returned to base without any casualty.
Photographs from the operation indicated successful recovery of items and neutralisation of threats in the area.
Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person and injuries to three others following an attack by suspected Fulani militias on Kopmur village, Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22 at about 4:00 p.m., when the armed assailants stormed a house where some local farmers had taken shelter and opened fire.
The attack led to the death of Dashan Mwanar, 42, while Sonma Mwanar, 32, Kyenkyes Dakup, 26, and Joy Vumshak, 25, sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bokkos Division, led a team to the scene, where the injured victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The police said the deceased’s remains had been released to his relatives for burial after the family declined an autopsy.
Meanwhile, sources assured that investigation is ongoing, with intensified efforts to apprehend the culprits and prevent further attacks in the area.
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intensified search and rescue operations following the abduction of a school principal and his daughter in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22, 2025, at about 3:00 a.m., when a group of armed kidnappers invaded the residence of Mr. Zakari Yelwa, Principal of Narati Government Secondary School, located opposite the Technical College, Abaji.
The assailants reportedly forced open the door to the residence and abducted Mr. Yelwa and his daughter, Hafsat Zakari, to an unknown destination.
Upon receipt of the distress call, a combined team of police operatives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, vigilante groups, and local hunters was immediately deployed to the scene.
The team has since launched a coordinated search operation, combing the surrounding bushes and hills in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
Police authorities assured residents of Abaji that all efforts are being made to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and urged the public to report any useful information that could aid the ongoing operation.
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
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Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri
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