Arbitration Victory: Oluwafemi hails BPP DG Adedokun, says procurement reform era has begun

The President of the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC), Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, has congratulated the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, and the Federal Government over what he described as a landmark arbitration victory involving European Dynamics UK Ltd.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oluwafemi also commended the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), as well as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for what he called “a decisive governance statement.”

The arbitration tribunal reportedly dismissed claims totalling over $6.2 million brought against Nigeria in connection with a public-sector technology contract.

According to Oluwafemi, the outcome reflects “institutional discipline and contractual courage,” adding that it signals a structural shift in how Nigeria manages public-sector procurement, particularly in the technology sector.

“This decisive outcome is not merely a legal win. It is a governance statement,” he said.

“At a time when international contractors often assume that African institutions will capitulate under technical pressure, Nigeria has demonstrated maturity and institutional strength.”

He noted that the tribunal’s affirmation of the importance of User Acceptance Testing (UAT) reinforces the principle that payment should follow verified performance.

“The centrality of User Acceptance Testing underscores a fundamental rule of sound procurement: value must be delivered before value is paid for,” Oluwafemi stated