Gov Eno seeks power to bypass bidding for billion-naira contracts

A proposed procurement law in Nigeria's Akwa Ibom State is drawing scrutiny for potentially granting the governor-led Direct Labour Committee broad powers to award contracts without competitive bidding. The bill, currently before the State House of Assembly, aims to establish a legal framework for the committee, which has been overseeing major state projects.

Governor Umo Eno chairs the Direct Labour Committee, which has taken charge of constructing model primary healthcare centers, schools, and the rehabilitation of the State House of Assembly Complex. The committee's involvement in these high-value projects has raised questions about the legal basis for its contract awards under existing procurement laws.

The proposed Akwa Ibom State Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (Establishment) Bill seeks to repeal the current procurement law while introducing significant changes. Notably, Section 31 of the bill would authorize the Direct Labour Committee to procure goods, works, and services for "special intervention" projects without adhering to the "stringent procurement tendering process."

This provision has sparked concerns among observers who fear it could undermine transparency and accountability in the awarding of billions of naira in public contracts. The bill has moved through the legislative process with notable speed, passing its first and second readings quickly and undergoing a public hearing, indicating a push for its swift adoption.