The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD) has raised concerns and cautioned the Federal Government against yielding to what it perceives as the World Bank’s pressure to amend the draft Public Procurement Bill 2023. The World Bank’s recommendation involves removing the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) from its regulatory power of issuing certificates of “No Objection” to contracts, suggesting that this function be transferred to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
In a six-point position paper presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and various relevant institutions, NEFGAD emphasized the potential dangers of succumbing to external pressure that could undermine the successes achieved by implementing the Public Procurement Act over the last 17 years.
The paper, titled “Harmonised National Procurement Stakeholders and Citizens’ Positions on Draft Public Procurement Bill 2023,” expressed concern about the World Bank’s recommendations, stating that they appear to be hypothetical and lack a detailed consideration of Nigeria’s unique challenges and the aspirations of its people. NEFGAD urged the government to exercise caution, avoiding the country being used as a testing ground for regulations that might disrupt the smooth operation of the public procurement system.
This warning highlights the importance of carefully evaluating and considering the implications of proposed changes to the Public Procurement Act, ensuring that any amendments align with Nigeria’s specific needs and do not compromise the effectiveness of the existing system.
