The Federal Government has introduced a new policy to standardize the way medicines and health products are bought across the country. The goal is to improve quality, make drugs affordable, and ensure transparency in the health system.
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mamman Ahmadu, announced this on Thursday in Abuja during the “Celebration of Success” ceremony for graduates of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Level 4 Qualification Programme.
Ahmadu explained that the new policy would professionalize procurement in the health sector, eliminate fake and substandard drugs, stop waste, and end inflated contracts.
He said the framework sets out clear and uniform steps for sourcing, buying, and delivering medicines and medical supplies to public health institutions nationwide.
“We now have a standard bidding document for health procurement and sourcing strategies,” Ahmadu said. “This policy ensures that health products are procured in a way that guarantees quality, affordability, and value at all levels.”
The BPP chief stressed that the policy aligns with global best practices and is designed to make sure government spending has a greater impact, especially for patients who depend on the public health system.
He noted that the reform goes beyond enforcing rules—it is about transforming procurement to better serve Nigerians.
Ahmadu revealed that the next phase would focus on community-based procurement strategies. These will intentionally include women, youth, and persons with disabilities in contract opportunities, to promote fairness and local participation.
He urged the newly certified procurement professionals to register with the National Procurement Officers Management System. According to him, this will improve transparency, accountability, and oversight in procurement.
“Procurement will no longer serve selfish interests but the ordinary citizens of our nation. Those certified today are now experts who can change the system from within,” he said.
Ahmadu concluded by reaffirming government’s commitment to building a procurement system that is efficient and delivers real value to Nigerians.
