RismadarVoice Reporters
June 5, 2026
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement and Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, PhD, has called for a stronger legal framework to support the adoption of electronic procurement (e-procurement) in Nigeria’s public sector.
Speaking at a one-day retreat for members of the House Committee on Public Procurement in Abuja, Idem said the ongoing review of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 provides a valuable opportunity to modernise Nigeria’s procurement system and align it with global best practices and emerging technologies.
The retreat, organised in collaboration with VS 030610 Consulting Ltd, focused on understanding the legal issues surrounding e-procurement as part of efforts to amend the existing procurement law.
According to the lawmaker, while the Public Procurement Act has significantly improved transparency, accountability, and value for money in public spending, evolving technological realities make it necessary to update the legislation to accommodate digital procurement processes.
He noted that e-procurement offers numerous advantages, including greater transparency, improved efficiency, enhanced competition, reduced delays, and better monitoring of government expenditure.
However, Idem stressed that the transition to a digital procurement system also presents important legal and policy challenges, including electronic transactions, digital signatures, cybersecurity, data protection, compliance monitoring, and dispute resolution.
He emphasised the need for lawmakers to fully understand these issues to ensure that any amendments to the Act establish a modern, transparent, and technology-driven procurement framework.
The retreat attracted procurement professionals, government officials, policy experts, and other stakeholders who deliberated on the legal and institutional requirements for the successful implementation of e-procurement in Nigeria.
