Corruption in the procurement process has hindered the efficiency of public spending and the chances to improve quality of lives of Nigerians, Alhaji Bala Kaoje, a former Minister has said.
He said: “In Nigeria, corruption in procurement, accounts for over 70 per cent of government total budget and therefore affects the efficiency of public spending and the opportunities to improve quality of life of the citizens.
“Due to the importance of a good procurement system in governance, Nigeria had the first Procurement Act in 2007 which provides for the harmonisation of existing government policies and practices on public procurement.
“It is to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in procurement process, which if judiciously practiced will reduce corruption in the country to the barest minimum.
“The institute is today showcasing yet another batch of professionally chartered members of the procurement and supply chain management personnel.
“They will contribute in no small measure toward the prevention of corruption in procurement and development of our country.”
“The eligibility criteria for tendering in Nigeria is too cumbersome and it eliminates lower income earning contractors and suppliers.
“It kills the middle class in the society and only the big time contractors and suppliers who have the resources to meet up with the stringent laid requirements can compete.
“This is certainly unfair in a country where less than 10 per cent of the population fall within the bracket of big time contractors or suppliers, while 90 per cent of the population is either middle class or low income earning group.
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