The Federal Government is advancing digitised public procurement as a central reform lever to improve transparency, strengthen accountability, and support economic growth, in a broader effort to align democratic governance with national development priorities.
This policy direction was highlighted at the National Convening and Report Launch on Strengthening the Nexus between Democracy and Economic Development in Nigeria held in Abuja, where George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, says the government is prioritising data-driven reforms to enhance governance outcomes.
Represented by Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, the SGF notes that the Federal Government remains committed to “constructive, evidence-driven engagement” and will continue to collaborate with the National Assembly, sub-national governments, private sector players, civil society, and development partners to strengthen democratic institutions.
She says digital systems can significantly improve public sector efficiency, reduce leakages, and strengthen accountability by enabling better tracking, monitoring, and reporting of government spending.
According to him, building trust in governance requires robust institutional frameworks anchored on transparency, credible electoral systems, effective dispute resolution mechanisms, and legislative oversight that ensures inclusive representation.
Digitised procurement at the centre of reform
The government’s emphasis on transparency aligns with recommendations contained in a new report, The Democracy Dividend: Governance and Growth, unveiled at the event by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
Presenting the report, Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Foundation, identifies digitised procurement as a critical reform priority, alongside fiscal discipline and transparency in democratic processes.
She says digital systems can significantly improve public sector efficiency, reduce leakages, and strengthen accountability by enabling better tracking, monitoring, and reporting of government spending.
The report also calls for stronger collaboration among public and private stakeholders, urging policymakers to translate its findings into actionable reforms that can deliver measurable economic outcomes.
Akume further highlights the importance of governance reforms in enhancing Nigeria’s international partnerships, particularly with institutions such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as the country seeks to align democratic processes with development objectives.
In his remarks, Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria, underscores the foundational role of democratic values, stressing the need to entrench freedom and justice as pillars that enable democracy to drive sustainable economic development.
The convergence of governance reform and digital transformation reflects an emerging policy consensus that technology, particularly in areas such as procurement and public administration, is critical to strengthening institutions and restoring public trust.
By digitising procurement processes, the Federal Government aims to create a more transparent and efficient system that not only curbs inefficiencies and corruption risks but also supports inclusive growth by ensuring that public resources are managed more effectively.
As Nigeria continues to refine its governance architecture, digitised procurement is increasingly being positioned as a practical entry point for reform, one that links democratic accountability with economic performance in a measurable way.
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