Abah Felicity 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Federal Government has identified strategic public procurement as a key driver of food security, logistics development and economic growth across Africa, urging governments to use procurement as a tool for industrialisation and sustainable development.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit and Awards 2026 in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said African governments spend between 12 and 20 per cent of GDP on public procurement, making it a powerful instrument for economic transformation.
“Every procurement decision presents an opportunity to stimulate local industries, create jobs, improve infrastructure and deliver greater value to the public,” Ogunbiyi said, stressing that efficient procurement systems are essential to tackling logistics bottlenecks, reducing post-harvest losses and lowering food prices.
He said weak transport networks, inadequate warehousing, fragmented cross-border systems, limited cold-chain infrastructure and high freight costs continue to undermine agricultural productivity and Africa’s competitiveness. Ogunbiyi urged governments to increase investment in roads, railways, ports, warehouses and digital logistics platforms to maximise opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The permanent secretary also advocated wider adoption of digital procurement systems, artificial intelligence, blockchain, electronic contract management and data analytics to improve transparency and build resilient supply chains. He said the ministry is leveraging procurement reforms to advance President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through agricultural mechanisation, irrigation and value-chain development.
Ogunbiyi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the Public Procurement Act 2007, promising continued adherence to transparency, integrity and due process while calling for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners and the private sector to strengthen Africa’s food systems.
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Korede Abdullah 
Otamere Gladness