BPP to blacklist erring contractors nationwide

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in Nigeria is set to implement a debarment policy to blacklist contractors who breach procurement regulations. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance accountability and curb malpractices in public contracting across the nation.

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The government has indeed provided a policy of debarment to strictly sanction any contractors nationally and globally.

BPP Director-General Adebowale Adedokun announced the policy, stating that defaulting contractors, both domestic and international, will face sanctions. The bureau has recently received direct approval to handle contract violation and fraudulent claim cases, strengthening its collaboration with anti-corruption agencies and civil society organizations.

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Only recently, we have received, for the first time, direct approval to BPP to carry out all issues of contract violation and fraudulent claims.

Further measures include a 14-working-day standstill period for resolving contractual disputes before project execution. Additionally, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must now publish contract awards monthly and submit quarterly performance reports. The BPP is also developing a national procurement transformation strategy and has phased out hard-copy submissions in favor of digital platforms to automate processes and minimize human interference.

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We’ve now provided a standstill period of 14 working days, wherein all issues in contractual disputes must be resolved.