Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government has warned that public officials and contractors involved in procurement fraud will face prosecution and administrative sanctions as it moves to tighten oversight of public spending and curb corruption in the award and execution of government contracts, Prime Business Africa reports.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, issued the warning during the 2026 Permanent Secretaries’ Retreat organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, saying the era of impunity in the procurement process must come to an end.
READ ALSO :
Join our WhatsApp Channel
Akume stressed that those found manipulating procurement procedures would be prosecuted in line with the law, describing transparency and accountability as essential to ensuring that public funds translate into tangible development.
He said effective budget implementation depends not only on the appropriation and release of funds but also on a procurement system driven by integrity, strict compliance with due process and value for money.
According to him, strengthening procurement practices is critical because virtually every government project from roads and schools to hospitals and other public infrastructure is delivered through the procurement process.
The SGF urged permanent secretaries and accounting officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ensure full compliance with the Public Procurement Act and other extant regulations.
Also speaking at the retreat, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Adebowale Adedokun, unveiled 23 reform initiatives aimed at modernising Nigeria’s procurement system and improving service delivery.
READ MORE :
ADC Demands Judicial Probe into PFIPC Scandal, Wants 10 Officials, Institutions Investigated
The reforms include plans to amend the Public Procurement Act 2007, implement a National Procurement Strategy Framework, review procurement approval thresholds, expand community-based procurement, introduce a contractor classification system and fully deploy the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) platform to digitise procurement processes.
Adedokun said the reforms are designed to eliminate contract manipulation, improve transparency, promote competition and ensure that only competent contractors execute government projects.
He further announced the introduction of a debarment policy that will blacklist contractors found guilty of procurement violations, effectively barring them from participating in future government contracts.
Procurement officers who breach due process, he added, will also face administrative sanctions in addition to any criminal liability arising from their actions.
The BPP Director-General disclosed that stricter procurement oversight and enhanced price intelligence generated an estimated ₦1.1 trillion in savings for the Federal Government in 2025.
He added that the bureau has continued to save an average of about ₦8 billion weekly since the beginning of 2026 through the review of procurement requests and contract pricing.
As part of efforts to deepen transparency, Adedokun said all Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been directed to publish details of contract awards on their official websites and the BPP portal, enabling greater public scrutiny of government procurement activities.
The renewed anti-corruption drive comes against the backdrop of longstanding concerns over contract inflation, bid manipulation, abandoned projects and other procurement irregularities that have undermined public confidence in government spending.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
