By Muhammad Amaan
The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a new policy framework aimed at standardising the procurement of medicines and health products across the country as part of move to enhance quality, affordability, and transparency in the healthcare system.
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr Mamman Ahmadu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the Celebration of Success ceremony held for graduates of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Level 4 Qualification Programme.
Speaking at the event, Mr Ahmadu said the policy would professionalise procurement processes in the health sector, eliminate fake and substandard drugs, curb waste, and put an end to inflated contracts.
He explained that the new framework introduces clear and standardised procedures for sourcing, purchasing, and delivering medicines and medical supplies to public health institutions nationwide.
He added, “We have embedded a standard bidding document for health procurement and sourcing strategy frameworks. We have also issued a policy for procurement of health products to standardise health sector procurements and ensure quality, affordability, and value at all levels.”
The BPP boss added that the initiative is in line with international best practices and is designed to ensure that government spending delivers greater impact for citizens, particularly patients who rely on the public health system.
He emphasised that the reform was not just about enforcing rules but about transforming the procurement system to better serve Nigerians.
Ahmadu also disclosed that the next phase of the reform will focus on community-based procurement strategies, with deliberate efforts to include women, youth, and persons with disabilities in procurement opportunities, thereby promoting inclusiveness and local participation in government contracts.
He encouraged the newly certified procurement professionals to register with the National Procurement Officers Management System, saying that doing so would help strengthen transparency, accountability, and oversight in the procurement process.
“Procurement will no longer be illicit, but for the ordinary people of our great nation. Those certified today are now part of a crop of experts capable of transforming the system from within,” Ahmadu stated.
He noted that the government remains committed to building a procurement system that is not only efficient but also delivers real value to the Nigerian people.
