News Investigators/ Aljazirah Newspaper has conferred its 2025 Person of the Year, “Exemplary Public Service Stewardship” award on Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
This is contained in a statement issued by Zira Nagga, Head, Press and Public Relations, BPP in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mr Nagga said that the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aljazirah Nigeria, Etuk Williams, cited measurable institutional impact, ethical leadership, and sustainable reforms as criteria for the award.
He said that during the award presentation, Williams said that the recognition was based on evidence of structural changes in Nigeria’s procurement system.
Mr Williams said that Mr Adedokun had distinguished himself through professionalism, methodical reform, and steadfast integrity.
According to the citation, Mr Adedokun has repositioned procurement as a tool for transparency, accountability, and value for money since his appointment in November 2024.
“Drawing on decades of experience, including his previous role as Director of Research, Training and Strategic Planning at the bureau, he has combined scholarships with practical reform, aligning domestic systems with international best practices.”
He said that the citation highlighted Mr Adedokun’s engagements with the United Nations Development Programme, African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank.
He said that the collaborations strengthened Nigeria’s procurement governance framework and embedded global standards in local implementation.
“Under his leadership, the bureau has strengthened digital systems, enhanced compliance mechanisms, professionalised procurement officers and integrated sustainability considerations into public expenditure processes.”
Mr Williams said that the honour celebrated both competence and character and enduring reform.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, Mr Adedokun dedicated the award to all the staff members of the bureau, describing them as the true drivers of the ongoing transformation.
“I am proud to represent them. They deserve every single award,” he said.
The director-general said strict adherence to rules often attracted resistance from vested interests.
“The outside world does not like BPP because we can not align with the misuse of funds.
“Reform efforts frequently go unappreciated, even within personal circles, due to the demanding nature of BPP engagement.
“They told us clearly to maintain integrity, and that if we change direction, they will withdraw the award, and I have publicly accepted that standard,” he said.
Mr Adedokun attributed the push behind the reforms to the mandate of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the recognition ultimately reflected the administration’s governance agenda.
“This award belongs to the President. He mandated us to change the procurement landscape. We are only implementing that vision.”
He described the bureau as the gatekeeper of public finance and accountability.
“If the gate man fails, the house becomes vulnerable. As far as procurement is concerned in this country, if BPP fails, the country has failed,” he said.
Mr Adedokun reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency and professionalism, stating that integrity remained non-negotiable.
NAN
