As part of efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium scale enterprises, (MSMEs) the federal government says it has opened a free digital procurement platform aimed at dismantling barriers and providing easy access to the over 39 million MSMEs, to enable them gain from the ongoing reforms in the public procurement practice.
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), announced the initiative on Tuesday with the backing of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, and the World Bank.
BusinessDay gathered that the initiative will equip the MSME operators with knowledge and skills required to participate effectively in public procurement..
John Enoh, Minister of State, Trade and Investment, in his remarks, applauded that BPP for the initiative which he said will end the complicated procedures, inadequate information and demanding documentation continued to exclude many capable entrepreneurs from government contracts.
He noted that the initiative represents a fundamental shift from merely enforcing procurement compliance to creating a system that genuinely accommodates small businesses.
According to him ‘ It is not enough to have an online platform. Small businesses must actually be able to use it and participate meaningfully’.
The training will help to expand technical knowledge, strengthen internal processes and provide capacity to interpret procurement documents, prepare competitive bids and execute contracts by the MSMEs.
The Minister who noted that some businesses are disqualified over missing documentation, while others depend excessively on intermediaries because they lack sufficient understanding of procurement procedures, urged government agencies to simplify procurement processes, strengthen transparency and deliberately support women-owned enterprises and other small businesses to compete on equal terms.
‘We must give every woman-owned business and every small business the opportunity to learn the rules and compete fairly’, he declared.
Earlier, Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPP, said the initiative was developed to address the knowledge and capacity gaps that had historically prevented MSMEs from accessing government contracts.
He noted that small businesses which accounts for approximately 96 per cent of enterprises in Nigeria, and also contributes about 50 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), had remained significantly disadvantaged in public procurement.
Adedokun said the training programme was developed to address the knowledge and capacity gaps that had historically prevented MSMEs from accessing government contracts.
He described the initiative as a strategic instrument for delivering public services, stimulating economic activity, creating employment opportunities, encouraging innovations, and promoting sustainable national development in Nigeria.
To him, ‘ the MSMEs account for approximately 96% of businesses and contribute around 50 percent of national GDP’, whose critical role in the economy, had been neglected or underrated.
‘Many small businesses face barriers to participating successfully in public procurement, including limited limited familiarity with procurement processes, insufficient technical knowledge, and difficulties navigating bidding requirements.
‘The digital training portal seeks to address these challenges by providing practical, accessible, and free learning resources tailored to the Nigerian procurement environment, it is aimed to expand opportunities for small businesses through digital learning.
Adedokun explained that the platform would provide practical training on identifying procurement opportunities, preparing competitive bids, understanding contractual obligations and meeting government performance requirements.
The programme, accessible through smartphones, tablets and computers, features interactive modules, quizzes, practical examples and certificates of completion.
He disclosed that the Bureau was also reviewing existing barriers to MSME participation, with particular attention to women-owned businesses, young entrepreneurs and persons with disabilities.
He however warned that completing the training would not confer automatic eligibility for government contracts, stressing that awards would remain subject to established competitive procedures.
‘Let me emphasise, however, that the training programmes do not guarantee the award of government contracts’, he said.
Charles Odii, Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), said the initiative would help connect millions of Nigerian businesses to one of the country’s largest and most reliable markets.
Odii disclosed that Nigeria currently had 39,654,385 nano, micro, small and medium enterprises, arguing that improving their access to public contracts would strengthen local production, expand employment and retain more economic value within the country.
He described the initiative as consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s Nigeria First Policy, which prioritises domestic enterprise development and increased participation of Nigerian businesses in economic opportunities.
‘Giving small businesses an opportunity to compete is an opportunity and a sustainable way to support our small businesses’, he said.
Odii also disclosed that the proposed National Policy on MSMEs for 2026-2030, which recognises public procurement as a critical instrument for enterprise growth and local content development, was awaiting Federal Executive Council approval.
Also speaking at the ev by, Matthew Verghis, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, said expanding MSME participation in government procurement would strengthen competition, improve public spending efficiency and stimulate job creation.
He stressed that procurement reforms must build the capacity of businesses alongside that of government officials, noting that the success of the new platform would ultimately depend on widespread adoption and improved competitiveness among participating enterprises.
‘Your success will ultimately be Nigeria’s’, Verghis told the entrepreneurs.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, similarly encouraged young Nigerians to acquire the necessary skills and prepare themselves to take advantage of emerging procurement opportunities.
The training initiative is being implemented under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Project, aimed at strengthening procurement capacity and promoting sustainable practices across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.