IMPACT OF NEW PUBLIC PROCUREMENT ACT ON THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE PROCUREMENT OFFICER, FCE

ABSTRACT

The study examined the impact of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007 on the accountability of procurement officers in Nigerian public institutions, with a focus on the Federal College of Education Technical, Jama’are, Bauchi State. The research specifically examines how the Act provides fair opportunities to suppliers, reduces corruption in contract awards, ensures quality control and assurance, and strengthens budget monitoring and financial control. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting procurement officers and administrative staff directly involved in procurement activities. A structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale was administered to 50 respondents, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. Findings reveal that the PPA significantly enhances transparency, fairness, and accountability in procurement processes. Respondents indicated that competitive bidding, clear evaluation criteria, and inclusivity of suppliers improve fairness, while oversight by the Bureau of Public Procurement and transparency measures reduce opportunities for corruption. Furthermore, prequalification procedures, clear contract specifications, and post-procurement monitoring contribute to quality assurance in public projects. The Act also facilitates effective budget monitoring and financial control through aligned procurement planning, record-keeping, and post-procurement audits. The study concludes that the PPA 2007 is an effective tool for promoting accountability among procurement officers, enhancing service delivery, and safeguarding public resources. However, challenges such as limited capacity, technological gaps, and partial compliance persist. It is recommended that continuous training, strict enforcement of the Act, and adoption of modern e-procurement systems be implemented to maximize the benefits of the PPA. The research provides valuable insights for public institutions, procurement practitioners, and future researchers in the field of public sector accountability.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The enactment of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007 marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to reform public procurement processes. Prior to this legislation, the procurement system was characterized by inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and widespread corruption, leading to the mismanagement of public funds. The PPA 2007 was introduced to address these challenges by establishing a legal framework that promotes transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement. This study focuses on assessing the impact of the PPA 2007 on the accountability of procurement officers within the public sector, specifically at the Federal College of Education Technical, Jama’are, Bauchi State.

The need for procurement reforms became evident as Nigeria grappled with widespread corruption and inefficiencies in government operations. By 2000, the lack of compliance with public service rules, financial regulations, and ethical standards had significantly hindered governmental processes. In response, the federal government collaborated with the World Bank to assess Nigeria’s financial systems and procurement activities, leading to the development of the Country Procurement Assessment Report (CPAR). This report identified critical weaknesses in the procurement system and recommended comprehensive reforms to enhance its effectiveness and integrity.

The CPAR highlighted several issues within Nigeria’s procurement system, including a lack of appropriate laws, inadequate skills among procurement personnel, and poorly structured procurement procedures. These deficiencies contributed to the misallocation of resources and diminished public trust in government institutions. To address these concerns, the CPAR recommended the enactment of a procurement law to underpin the proposed reforms, the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission to oversee procurement activities, and the revision of key areas of the Financial Regulations to make them more transparent. Additionally, it emphasized the need for building procurement capacity in the public sector through the restoration of professionalism and intensive training of procurement staff.

In line with these recommendations, the Nigerian government established the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) through the PPA 2007. The BPP was tasked with harmonizing existing government policies and practices on public procurement to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in the procurement process. Its objectives include the establishment of pricing standards and benchmarks, ensuring the application of fair, competitive, transparent, value-for-money standards and practices for the procurement and disposal of public assets, and attaining transparency, competitiveness, cost-effectiveness, and professionalism in the public sector procurement system.

The PPA 2007 introduced several reforms aimed at improving the procurement process. These include the establishment of a legal and institutional framework for public procurement, the introduction of standardized procurement procedures, and the implementation of mechanisms for monitoring and oversight. The Act also provided for the certification of procurement processes by the BPP prior to the award of contracts, thereby ensuring compliance with established standards and promoting accountability among procurement officers.

Despite the establishment of the PPA 2007 and the BPP, challenges persist in the effective implementation of procurement reforms. Issues such as inadequate capacity building, lack of political will, and resistance to change continue to undermine the objectives of the Act. This study seeks to assess the impact of the PPA 2007 on the accountability of procurement officers at the Federal College of Education Technical, Jama’are, Bauchi State, with the aim of identifying areas for improvement and contributing to the ongoing discourse on public procurement reforms in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

A diagnostic study conducted in 2001 revealed that Nigeria had lost trillions of Naira over the preceding two decades due to serious irregularities in the public procurement system. These irregularities included the abuse of procedures for awarding public contracts, inflation of contract costs, lack of transparency, and the awarding of contracts based on personal or political influence rather than competence or merit. Such malpractices significantly undermined the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations and contributed to widespread public distrust in public institutions (Ezeh, 2013).

The consequences of these procurement malpractices were far-reaching. Many government ministries and agencies faced challenges in executing projects due to poorly managed procurement processes. The lack of adherence to due process meant that contracts were often awarded without competitive bidding, leading to inflated costs and substandard service delivery. This situation not only wasted public resources but also discouraged genuine suppliers from participating in government projects, further weakening the procurement system (BMPIU, 2005).

In response to these challenges, the Nigerian government enacted the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007 to provide a legal framework for public procurement. The Act aims to institutionalize accountability, transparency, and competitiveness in the procurement process, ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently and ethically. By regulating the actions of procurement officers and establishing clear procedures for contract awards, the PPA seeks to curb corruption and promote good governance within the public sector (Brookings, 2023).

Despite the enactment of the PPA, the implementation of procurement reforms has not been uniform across all public institutions. Many ministries and agencies continue to face challenges in fully appreciating and applying the Act’s provisions. Some procurement officers remain unaware of their responsibilities under the law, while others may resist compliance due to entrenched practices or lack of capacity. These gaps hinder the effectiveness of the procurement system and perpetuate inefficiencies and corruption in public service delivery (Ezeh, 2013).

Therefore, this study seeks to examine the impact of the Public Procurement Act on the accountability of procurement officers at the Federal College of Education Technical, Jama’are, Bauchi State. Understanding the extent to which the Act has improved transparency, accountability, and resource management will provide valuable insights for policymakers, public administrators, and scholars seeking to enhance procurement practices in Nigeria. The study also aims to identify areas where further reforms or interventions may be required to achieve the objectives of the PPA (Ezeh, 2013; Brookings, 2023).

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the Public Procurement Act on the accountability of procurement officers in the public sector. Specific objectives include:

1. To assess how the Procurement Act provides fair opportunities to suppliers through competitive bidding for government contracts.
2. To examine the Act’s impact on reducing corruption in procurement and enhancing public confidence.
3. To evaluate the contribution of the Act toward quality control and assurance.
4. To assess the Act’s role in budget monitoring and financial control.

1.4 Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. How does the Procurement Act provide fair opportunities to suppliers in a competitive market environment?
2. What is the impact of the Procurement Act on reducing corruption in the award of public contracts?
3. How does the Procurement Act contribute to quality control and assurance?
4. What is the relevance of the Procurement Act in budget monitoring and financial control?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its focus on the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007 and its impact on the accountability of procurement officers in public institutions. By examining how the Act regulates procurement processes, this research provides a deeper understanding of how legal frameworks can enforce transparency and responsibility among public officers. The findings are expected to underscore the importance of compliance with procurement laws as a mechanism for improving efficiency and reducing wastage in government ministries (Ezeh, 2013).

For the Federal College of Education Technical, Jama’are, this study will offer practical insights into how procurement activities can be better managed. By highlighting best practices and common challenges in procurement, the research will assist the college administration in implementing effective procedures for awarding contracts and ensuring value for money. Such insights are critical for strengthening internal control mechanisms and promoting accountability in all procurement activities (Brookings, 2023).

The research also holds educational significance, particularly for students of the Purchasing and Supply Department. By providing empirical evidence and analysis of procurement practices within a public sector institution, students will gain a clearer understanding of the practical application of procurement laws and ethical standards. This knowledge is essential for preparing future procurement professionals who are capable of upholding integrity, transparency, and efficiency in their careers (BMPIU, 2005).

Additionally, this study contributes to the broader field of public administration and procurement by providing a comprehensive examination of the impact of regulatory reforms on officer accountability. Scholars, policymakers, and practitioners can utilize the findings to assess the effectiveness of the PPA and identify areas where further improvement or training is needed. Such research contributes to the ongoing discourse on good governance and public sector reform in Nigeria.

From a policy perspective, the findings of this study may guide government agencies in reviewing and refining their procurement policies. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of compliance with the PPA, such as reduced corruption, improved service delivery, and proper utilization of public funds, this research can encourage broader adherence to procurement regulations across the public sector (Ezeh, 2013).

Finally, the study serves as a foundation for future research. Subsequent researchers can build upon the insights generated to explore related areas, such as the effectiveness of procurement training programs, the role of technology in public procurement, or comparative analyses of procurement practices across different states or institutions. In this way, the study not only addresses current gaps in knowledge but also supports continuous improvement and innovation in public procurement practices (Brookings, 2023).

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the impact of the Federal Government Procurement Act on the accountability of procurement officers, emphasizing fairness, integrity, and efficiency in the public sector. The study is limited to the Federal College of Education Technical, Jama’are, Bauchi State, serving as a case study for understanding procurement reforms in Nigeria (Federal College of Education, Jama’are, 2022).

1.7 Definition of Terms

• Procurement: The acquisition of goods, services, or works from an external source.
• Procurement Proceeding: The initiation of the procurement process up to the award of a contract.
• Procurement Entity: Any public body engaged in procurement, including ministries, agencies, parastatals, and corporations.
• Public Procurement: Acquisition of goods, works, or services by the government.
• Public Accountability: Obligation of public enterprises and agencies to be answerable for fiscal and social responsibilities.
• Due Process: Mechanism ensuring compliance with rules guiding contract award, ensuring openness, competition, and cost accuracy (BMPIU, 2005).
• Relevant Authority: Agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
• Public Procurement Act: Legislation enacted by the National Assembly to establish regulatory authorities overseeing public procurement (Ezeh, 2013).