The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in Nigeria is creating an affirmative procurement policy to boost the involvement of women-owned engineering businesses in government contracts and public projects. This initiative was revealed during discussions between the BPP and the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria. The goal is to make public procurement more inclusive, supporting women-owned businesses, youth-led enterprises, and other historically disadvantaged groups.
The proposed policy is part of the Federal Government's efforts to promote inclusivity in public procurement. The BPP's affirmative procurement framework will provide greater consideration for eligible businesses owned or led by women in public procurement processes. This move aims to activate preference provisions already contained in the Public Procurement Act 2007, rather than creating a new procurement law.
The BPP is working towards finalizing and institutionalizing a National Policy on Affirmative Procurement, which will include capacity-building programs and a monitoring framework. The policy could create additional opportunities for women engineers and engineering firms to participate in public infrastructure and construction projects, provided they meet the applicable professional, technical, and procurement requirements.
The engagement between the BPP and the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria is part of ongoing efforts to expand participation in public procurement while maintaining competition, transparency, and value for money. The BPP regulates and monitors public procurement in Nigeria, setting standards and developing policies and guidelines for government contracting.
The proposed policy will require government agencies to incorporate opportunities for targeted groups into procurement processes, potentially giving women-owned businesses greater access to government contracts. This initiative aims to support women-owned businesses, youth-led enterprises, persons with disabilities, startups, and other historically disadvantaged groups.
The BPP's efforts to promote inclusivity in public procurement have been welcomed by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria. The policy could lead to increased participation of women engineers in public infrastructure and construction projects, contributing to Nigeria's economic growth and development.
The implementation of the affirmative procurement policy will be closely monitored, with a focus on ensuring that women-owned businesses are given fair consideration in public procurement processes. The BPP's initiative is expected to have a positive impact on women engineers and engineering firms in Nigeria, providing them with greater opportunities to contribute to the country's development.
Key points
- The BPP's affirmative procurement policy aims to increase the participation of women-owned engineering businesses in government contracts and public projects.
- The policy is part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to make public procurement more inclusive.
- The initiative could create additional opportunities for women engineers and engineering firms to participate in public infrastructure and construction projects.
