The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has launched the MSMEs Public Procurement Training and Digital Learning Portal.
The portal aims to address challenges preventing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from effectively participating in public procurement opportunities in Nigeria.
At the portal’s launch in Abuja, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPP, stated that the initiative marks another step in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen procurement capacity and expand opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
Adedokun said the portal was desigAdedokun explained that the portal is designed to bridge knowledge gaps, enhance business readiness, and equip MSMEs with practical skills for navigating government procurement processes.act opportunities and preparing bids to contract delivery and performance management,” he said.
Adedokun noted that MSMEs accounted for approximately 96 per cent of businesses in Nigeria and contributed 50 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Despite their significant contribution to the economy, many small businesses continue to face barriers to participating successfully in public procurement.
“This includes inadequate knowledge of procurement procedures, limited technical capacity and difficulties understanding bidding requirements,” he said.
He noted that the digital portal addresses these challenges by offering practical, accessible, and free learning resources tailored to Nigeria’s procurement environment.
“The training platform includes interactive modules, quizzes, practical examples, and a certificate of completion. The content is designed to guide participants through the entire government procurement cycle,” he said.
He added that the portal is accessible via computers, tablets, and smartphones, and is optimised for users with limited internet bandwidth.
He emphasised that sound procurement planning, enforceable contracts, and effective contract management are essential for ensuring value for money, accountability, and successful government project delivery.
He said the initiative emphasises inclusiveness by supporting women-owned and women-led businesses, youth entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, and veterans, who often face additional barriers to accessing public procurement markets.
He added that the bureau is reviewing barriers to MSME participation in public procurement, following the President’s approval to establish community-based and affirmative procurement initiatives.
He said the review aims to create a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive procurement environment for small businesses nationwide.
Adedokun expressed optimism that the training programme will reduce information gaps, strengthen business competitiveness, and promote professionalism among MSMEs participating in government procurement.
He clarified that completing the training does not guarantee government contracts, as the procurement system is governed by competition, transparency, accountability, and value for money.
He encouraged MSMEs nationwide to take advantage of the free training to build their capacity and prepare for responsible participation in public procurement.
The direcThe director-general also called on business owners, entrepreneurs, professional associations, trade groups, and private-sector institutions to raise awareness about the portal and encourage their members to participate in the training. She emphasised the importance of collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, development partners and accountability agencies in strengthening public procurement.
He reiterated the bureau’s commitment to promoting value for money and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians through an efficient, transparent, and inclusive procurement system.
Adedokun thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting initiatives that promote institutional excellence, enterprise development, and capacity building.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was developed with support from the World Bank under the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Project (SPESSE).
