ENHANCING GOOD GOVERNANCE THROUGH EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAWS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Public procurement plays a critical role in the management of public resources and the delivery of essential services. In Nigeria, public procurement accounts for a significant proportion of government expenditure and therefore constitutes a vital instrument for promoting transparency, accountability, and efficient governance. However, despite the enactment of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007, the procurement process in Nigeria has continued to face serious challenges, including corruption, lack of transparency, political interference, and weak institutional capacity which undermine the principles of good governance. The objective of this study therefore, is to analyze the extent to which the PPA contributes to transparency, accountability, and responsible public resource management and also evaluates the effectiveness of existing regulatory institutions such as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to ensure compliance with procurement standards. The paper argued that the enactment of the PPA has improved on the transparency, accountability and public resource management and therefore maintained that the effective enforcement of public procurement laws have become a panacea for combating corruption. The relevance of this study lies in the growing national concern over corruption, misuse of public funds, and the need for accountable governance systems. The study found that while Nigeria possesses a relatively comprehensive procurement legal framework, weak enforcement mechanisms, political interference, and limited institutional capacity have significantly constrained its effectiveness. The study recommended ensuring strict sanctions for violations of procurement regulations and that effective implementation of public procurement laws is crucial for promoting good governance, reducing corruption, and advancing sustainable democratic development in Nigeria.