By Stephen Simon
The Federal Government has warned heads of government-owned agencies and other public institutions against inflating contract costs and violating procurement regulations, threatening sanctions against officials who disregard established procedures.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, issued the warning in a circular directing accounting officers of government-owned enterprises, corporations, councils, authorities and commissions to comply strictly with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
The directive followed concerns that some public institutions continued to award contracts above approved price benchmarks, restrict competition through exclusive arrangements and disregard regulatory oversight.
Akume said the practices had contributed to inflated contract sums and undermined transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
He stressed that the government would no longer tolerate procurement violations, particularly by institutions expected to uphold the principles of transparency, competition and value for money.
The SGF directed accounting officers to liaise with the Bureau of Public Procurement for guidance and ensure that the circular was immediately brought to the attention of relevant officials for strict implementation.
He warned that accounting officers who continued to award contracts outside the provisions of the law would face appropriate sanctions.
The Public Procurement Act establishes the Bureau of Public Procurement as the regulatory authority responsible for monitoring public procurement and ensuring compliance with established standards.
