Bureau of Public Procurement launches free digital training portal for Nigerian MSMEs

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) unveiled a free digital training portal in Abuja on Tuesday. The portal aims to improve the capacity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to win government contracts.

It provides interactive modules, quizzes, practical examples and a certificate of completion. Users are guided through the procurement process from identifying opportunities to contract delivery.

The platform works on computers, tablets and smartphones and is optimised for limited internet bandwidth. BPP Director‑General Dr Adebowale Adedokun said the initiative addresses knowledge gaps, technical limitations and difficulties in understanding bidding requirements that have hindered small businesses.

He noted that MSMEs make up about 96% of Nigerian businesses and contribute roughly 50% of the country’s GDP, yet many still face barriers such as inadequate knowledge of procedures and limited technical capacity.

The training programme is part of a broader review of barriers to MSME participation following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of community‑based and affirmative procurement initiatives. Development of the portal was supported by the World Bank under the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Project (SPESSE).

The launch aligns with wider efforts to expand small business access to public spending and strengthen local enterprise involvement in government contracts.