Implementation of public procurement standards in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects
1 Procurement Officer, Federal Polytechnic Wannune, Nigeria.
2 Physical Planning unit, Federal Polytechnic Wannune, Nigeria.
3 Civil Engineering Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Research Article
Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 2023, 16(03), 090–098.
Article DOI: 10.30574/gjeta.2023.16.3.0167
Publication history:
Received on 11 July 2023; revised on 06 September 2023; accepted on 08 September 2023
Abstract:
This study delves into the challenges and prospects associated with implementing public procurement standards in Nigeria. Public procurement plays a crucial role in acquiring goods, services, and works essential for public service delivery and development. However, Nigeria faces multifaceted challenges including inadequate legal frameworks, corruption, capacity deficiencies, and weak monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. These challenges compromise transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the allocation of public resources. Despite these challenges, there are promising prospects for improvement. Legal reforms, harmonization of regulations, and technology adoption are key strategies. Strengthening transparency and accountability through e-procurement systems, whistleblower protection, and public participation is critical. Additionally, capacity building and professional development for procurement personnel, as well as collaboration with international partners, offer avenues for progress. Drawing lessons from successful cases such as Singapore and the United Kingdom, Nigeria can adapt international best practices to its context. By addressing challenges and embracing prospects, Nigeria can create a procurement landscape that ensures transparency, efficiency, and fairness, contributing to sustainable development and the well-being of its citizens. However, achieving this requires collective commitment, adoption of best practices, and a determination to enhance public procurement standards.
Keywords:
Public procurement; Nigeria; Challenges; prospects; Implementation; Standards; Transparency; efficiency; Accountability; Legal framework; Corruption
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Copyright © 2023 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0