Stakeholders Oppose Proposed Amendment Of Public Procurement Act

Stakeholders in the public procurement sector have opposed a proposed amendment to the Public Procurement Act, which seeks to punish contractors for delaying or abandoning projects.

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Adebowale Adedokun and the immediate Director General of the Agency, Emeka Ezeh told the House Committee on Public Procurement, said that such provisions were already included in contract agreements.

According to Dr. Adedokun, Public Procurement Act 2007 already regulates public procurement in Nigeria, ensuring competition and transparency.

He emphasized that the Act does not regulate contract, implementation, which is instead governed by standard conditions of contracts and contract agreements.

Mr Ezeh, also argued that the proposed amendment focuses on addressing the effects rather than the causes of project delays.

Ezeh suggested that a more holistic approach is needed, considering factors such as needs assessment, project design, and procurement processes.

Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement, Unyime Idem, acknowledged that project delays are a significant issue in Nigeria, often driven by factors such as contractor incompetence, corruption, and economic sabotage.

Idem cited Egypt as an example of a country that has successfully implemented measures to reduce project delays, such as requiring contractors to work extended hours.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji