FG Unveils New Policy to Standardise Medicine Procurement Nationwide

The Federal Government has taken a decisive step toward reforming Nigeria’s healthcare supply chain with the introduction of a new policy framework to standardise the procurement of medicines and health products nationwide. The initiative, unveiled by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mamman Ahmadu, aims to ensure quality, affordability, and transparency across the public health sector.

Speaking in Abuja during the Celebration of Success ceremony for graduates of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Level 4 Qualification Programme, Ahmadu described the new policy as a game-changer for Nigeria’s healthcare system. He noted that for years, the procurement process in the health sector had been plagued by inefficiencies, inflated contracts, and circulation of fake or substandard drugs, all of which undermined public trust and access to quality healthcare.

Reforming Procurement for Transparency and Quality

According to Ahmadu, the framework introduces clear and standardised procedures for sourcing, purchasing, and distributing medicines and medical supplies across public health institutions. He explained that the BPP has embedded a standard bidding document for health procurement and developed sourcing strategy frameworks to guide the process.

“We have also issued a policy for procurement of health products to standardise health sector procurements and ensure quality, affordability, and value at all levels,” he said.

The BPP boss stressed that the reform was not simply about tightening rules but about transforming procurement practices so that government spending delivers maximum impact. By streamlining procedures and introducing strict quality checks, the new framework is expected to eliminate fake and substandard drugs from circulation while curbing financial waste.

“This reform is not just about enforcing compliance. It is about making sure that the health procurement system works better for Nigerians, particularly patients who depend on the public health system,” Ahmadu added.

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Aligning with Global Best Practices

Ahmadu emphasised that the policy is aligned with international best practices, positioning Nigeria to meet global standards in medicine procurement and distribution. Countries that have adopted similar frameworks, he noted, have recorded significant improvements in both cost-efficiency and patient outcomes.

By adopting this structured approach, Nigeria will not only reduce procurement corruption but also improve access to essential medicines in rural and urban communities alike.

Health analysts argue that the move is timely, given the challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, including drug shortages, inflated costs, and weak supply chain management. Standardisation, they say, could strengthen confidence in public health institutions and reduce reliance on unregulated private markets.

Inclusivity in the Next Phase of Reforms

Looking ahead, Ahmadu revealed that the next phase of the reform would focus on community-based procurement strategies, designed to create opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. By deliberately expanding participation in procurement opportunities, the government hopes to make the system more inclusive and stimulate local economic growth.

“Procurement will no longer be illicit, but for the ordinary people of our great nation,” Ahmadu declared, adding that inclusiveness will remain central to the reform agenda.

This approach reflects a growing recognition that procurement is not merely a technical function but also a tool for social and economic empowerment. By widening participation, the government aims to ensure that public contracts generate benefits for vulnerable groups, fostering both equity and sustainability.

Building a Professional Procurement Workforce

Ahmadu also addressed the graduates of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply programme, urging them to register with the National Procurement Officers Management System. He explained that this registry would help strengthen accountability and oversight by ensuring that certified professionals are involved in government contracting.

“Those certified today are now part of a crop of experts capable of transforming the system from within,” he said. “With professionalism at the heart of procurement, the system will be transparent, accountable, and geared toward delivering value to Nigerians.”

By professionalising procurement, the government hopes to reduce malpractice while empowering trained experts to uphold standards and ethics in public sector supply management.

Commitment to Value and Accountability

Reaffirming the government’s determination, Ahmadu assured Nigerians that the reforms would be sustained. He insisted that the focus was not only on efficiency but also on ensuring that every procurement decision contributes to improving healthcare outcomes.

“The government remains committed to building a procurement system that is not only efficient but also delivers real value to the Nigerian people,” he said.

Observers say that if properly implemented, the framework could become a model for reforming other critical sectors beyond healthcare, such as infrastructure, education, and agriculture.

The introduction of the standardised procurement framework marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare reform efforts. With greater transparency, stricter quality checks, and inclusive participation, the system promises to cut costs, enhance service delivery, and restore public confidence in the health sector.

For millions of Nigerians who rely on public hospitals and clinics, the reform offers a glimmer of hope—one where access to safe, affordable, and quality medicines is no longer a privilege but a guaranteed right.