The Network for Fiscal Governance and Accountability Development (NEFGAD) has called for sweeping reforms of Nigeria’s public procurement system after a nationwide perception survey revealed persistent concerns over transparency, accountability and oversight in the award and execution of public contracts.
The advocacy group said the findings, drawn from a digital survey involving civil society organisations, contractors, consultants, procurement professionals and service providers, indicate that despite Nigeria’s existing legal framework for procurement, implementation weaknesses continue to undermine public confidence and value for money.
According to the survey, access to government procurement opportunities remains a major challenge, with 63.6 per cent of respondents describing it as difficult or very difficult to obtain information on contract opportunities published by government agencies.
NEFGAD said the finding suggests that many qualified businesses are still unable to compete fairly for public contracts.
The survey also pointed to continuing concerns over transparency in the procurement process. While some respondents acknowledged improvements, only 40.9 per cent rated public procurement as transparent or very transparent.
Most respondents, however, believed procurement processes remain only moderately transparent or lack sufficient openness.
Concerns over fairness were equally pronounced, with 54.6 per cent of respondents saying procurement opportunities are rarely or never advertised fairly and openly, a trend the organisation warned could weaken competition and deny government the best value in public spending.
Confidence in procurement oversight institutions also remains low, with nearly six out of every 10 respondents describing the existing oversight system as ineffective or very ineffective.
NEFGAD said the findings highlighted an urgent need to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, enforcement powers and institutional independence.
Despite the concerns, the survey showed strong public support for greater openness in government contracting, with 81.8 per cent of respondents backing the publication of all awarded contracts and contract performance reports.
Respondents identified the introduction of a comprehensive electronic procurement system as the single most important reform required to improve procurement governance.
Other recommendations included faster payment of contractors, stronger and more independent oversight institutions, wider public access to procurement information, tougher sanctions for procurement violations, amendments to the Public Procurement Act 2007 and the inauguration of the National Council on Public Procurement.
Commenting on the findings, NEFGAD said Nigeria has made progress in establishing a legal framework for public procurement but noted that poor implementation continues to undermine transparency, efficiency, competition and accountability.
The organisation urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, the Bureau of Public Procurement, state governments and all procuring entities to implement a nationwide e-procurement system, strengthen oversight institutions, enforce stricter penalties for procurement violations and fast-track amendments to the Public Procurement Act 2007.
NEFGAD said implementing the recommended reforms would improve transparency, promote fair competition, strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in the management of public resources.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens to advance transparency, accountability and integrity in public procurement across Nigeria.
Michael Olugbode
