FG Dismisses US Allegations of Transparency Gaps in Procurement

The Federal Government has rejected claims by the United States Department of State alleging a lack of transparency in Nigeria’s public procurement processes.

In its 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report, the US ranked Nigeria among 32 African countries that showed no significant progress in fiscal accountability, pointing to gaps in the disclosure of procurement contracts. The report, however, acknowledged Nigeria’s strides in publishing budget documents and debt obligations.

It further indicted the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation for failing to release comprehensive budget execution reports, citing weak institutional independence.

“The government did not publish accessible information on public procurement contracts,” the report said, stressing that Nigeria’s audit institution does not meet international standards of independence.

But in a swift reaction, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) dismissed the report as “false and lacking in merit.”

Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, argued that reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration had strengthened transparency in contract awards.

“Since he (Tinubu) undertook procurement reform, things have changed. Contracts are being advertised, there’s benchmarking, price intelligence, and engagement with civil society for monitoring and evaluation,” Adedokun said.

He cited recent cases where foreign firms successfully bid for Nigerian contracts without physical presence in the country, calling it proof of transparency.

Adedokun added: “The argument that Nigeria is not being transparent and accountable in procurement processes is not correct, based on reforms that are ongoing currently. Government has committed itself to electronic procurement and is engaging women, youths and people with disabilities in the process.”

He also noted that anti-graft agencies including the EFCC, ICPC, the Police, and the Code of Conduct Bureau were actively prosecuting procurement violations.

The US Department of State insisted that fiscal transparency fosters stronger business environments, combats corruption, and aligns with global standards for accountability, especially in natural resource contracts.

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