Experts Warn Nigerian Firms Over Digital Procurement Risks

Experts in Nigeria’s technology and procurement space have warned that many organisations risk falling behind globally if they fail to fully embrace digital procurement systems and modern supply chain technologies.

Speaking at industry discussions linked to a procurement transformation summit in Lagos, stakeholders said procurement has evolved from a basic administrative function into a critical driver of efficiency, transparency, and business competitiveness.

They noted that several Nigerian companies still rely heavily on manual or fragmented procurement processes, which often lead to inefficiencies, hidden costs, and weak visibility across supply chains.

According to industry observers, these gaps can result in financial leakages, delayed decision-making, and reduced accountability, especially in large enterprises handling complex operations.

Experts further explained that digital procurement systems, powered by data and automation, can help organisations improve cost control, strengthen governance, and reduce fraud risks within purchasing processes.

They also stressed that companies adopting structured digital systems are better positioned to compete globally, as procurement is increasingly becoming a strategic business function rather than just operational support.

The warning forms part of broader calls for Nigerian businesses to accelerate digital transformation across operations in order to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.