Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has introduced a new policy aimed at increasing participation of women and young people in government contracting, as part of broader efforts to promote inclusive economic growth.
Under the initiative, priority consideration will be given to women led businesses, youth owned enterprises and persons living with disabilities in the award of public contracts. The policy forms part of a wider affirmative procurement framework designed to address long standing barriers that have limited access to government opportunities for these groups.
Officials say the reform is intended to shift public procurement from a purely administrative process into a tool for social and economic development. By directing a share of government spending towards underrepresented groups, authorities aim to stimulate job creation, expand entrepreneurship and reduce inequality.
The policy is expected to be implemented alongside the 2026 federal budget, with provisions that could reserve a defined percentage of contracts for targeted groups and introduce incentives such as preferential scoring during bid evaluations.
BPP Director General Adebowale Adedokun has also emphasised the need to address structural challenges, particularly limited access to finance, which has historically prevented many women and youth led businesses from competing effectively for public tenders. The agency has called on financial institutions and development partners to support these groups through improved funding access and capacity building initiatives.
The move aligns with broader government reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, boosting local enterprise participation and leveraging public procurement as a driver of national development. Analysts say if effectively implemented, the policy could significantly reshape Nigeria’s procurement landscape by opening up opportunities to a wider segment of the population while supporting inclusive growth.
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