In a strategic move to overhaul Nigeria’s public procurement system, President Bola Tinubu has directed the resignation of Mr. Mamman Ahmadu as Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The announcement, made by presidential spokesman Chief Ajuri Ngelale on Saturday, marks a significant step in President Tinubu’s broader reformation agenda aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency within the agency.
Reform and Resignation
The directive for Ahmadu’s resignation is part of a comprehensive effort to revitalize the BPP and ensure it functions optimally. As part of the transition, Ahmadu will hand over his responsibilities to the most senior officer in the Bureau until a new Director-General is officially appointed. President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Ahmadu’s service and extended best wishes for his future endeavors.
Introducing the New Leadership
Stepping into the pivotal role is Mr. Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, whose appointment has been approved by President Tinubu. Gbeleyi, an esteemed financial expert and award-winning chartered accountant, is well-prepared for the position. He holds fellowships with both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). His educational background includes executive programs from the prestigious London Business School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Lagos Business School.
Gbeleyi brings over three decades of diverse experience across various sectors, including manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), investment and commercial banking, project finance, telecommunications, infrastructure, and public administration. His previous roles include serving as the board Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and as Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State from 2013 to 2015.
Vision for the Future
Chief Ajuri Ngelale conveyed that President Tinubu expects Gbeleyi to harness his vast experience to fortify the BPP. The vision is to transform the agency into a national resource center for capacity building and reform sustainability. This includes fostering a competitive, private sector-driven economy, ensuring social accountability, efficient deployment of public resources, and advancing corporate governance and fiduciary discipline in both the public and private sectors.
A New Chapter for Public Procurement
The appointment of Gbeleyi signifies a new chapter for the Bureau of Public Procurement. His extensive background and strategic vision are expected to drive significant improvements, aligning with President Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in public administration. The move is anticipated to bring about transformative changes that will benefit Nigeria’s economy and governance.
