A coalition of civil society organisations has formally requested Nigeria's anti-graft agency to open an investigation into the leadership of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Serious Allegations Submitted to Anti-Corruption Agency
The Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA) submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, December 15, 2025. The document calls for an urgent and impartial probe into allegations of misconduct against Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, the Director-General of the BPP, and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa.
COCTA's action supports an earlier petition filed by legal practitioner Musa Aliyu, Esq. The group emphasised that the EFCC must act swiftly to protect national integrity.
Details of the Corruption Claims
The petition outlines a series of grave accusations. These include:
- The alleged operation of proxy bank accounts.
- Demands for foreign exchange from contractors.
- The receipt of vehicles and other gratifications.
- The misuse of over 100 bank accounts reportedly linked to the Chief of Staff, Mr. Obasa.
COCTA stated that if verified, these acts would represent "grave misconduct and systemic abuse" capable of severely damaging Nigeria's public procurement framework. The group recommended the immediate suspension of the Director-General pending the investigation's outcome and the interrogation of all implicated persons.
Bureau's Firm Denial and Defence of Reforms
In a swift response, the Bureau of Public Procurement issued a strong rebuttal. The BPP labelled all allegations as false, malicious, and designed to mislead the Nigerian public.
The agency's statement affirmed its strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act of 2007. It highlighted that its operations are supported by multi-layered, digitally monitored systems designed to prevent fraud.
"The reforms introduced in recent months have safeguarded government funds and disrupted entrenched interests," the BPP declared. It pointed to specific measures like the tightening of procurement reviews and stricter enforcement of due process as evidence of its commitment.
Commitment to Transparency and Openness
The Bureau went further to list its achievements in promoting accountability. These include the establishment of a Price Intelligence Unit, a Procurement Surveillance and Audit Unit, and policies to boost participation by small and medium-sized enterprises.
Striking a confident tone, the BPP welcomed any investigation by competent authorities. "We stand ready to provide all required documents, financial records, and institutional logs. We have absolutely nothing to hide," the statement concluded.
The Bureau also cautioned the media and the public against sensationalised reporting, urging verification of information to avoid damaging reputations and eroding public trust.
