- EFCC urges revision of laws governing BPP to combat corruption associated with contract awards, citing existing law’s ineffectiveness
- Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasizes need to address loopholes in contract and procurement processes to prevent corruption and enhance transparency
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has emphasized the urgent need to revise the laws governing the Bureau of Public Procurements (BPP) to curb corruption associated with contract awards.
The anti-graft agency highlighted that the existing law has not significantly contributed to prosecuting or convicting corrupt individuals involved in contract irregularities.
Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the EFCC, made these remarks during a meeting with the management team of BPP, led by Mamman Ahmadu, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Olukoyede stressed the necessity of addressing various loopholes in the contract and procurement award processes to prevent corruption before contracts are awarded and funds are misappropriated.
He expressed concern over BPP’s issuance of “Certificate of No Objection” for procurement items and urged a review of the process to enhance transparency and accountability.
The EFCC chairman underscored the prevalence of corruption in the public sector, particularly in contract and procurement activities, attributing it to systemic weaknesses rather than inherent flaws in Nigerians.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional frameworks to combat corruption effectively, noting that compliance with regulations fosters a culture of excellence among Nigerians.
Olukoyede urged collaborative efforts between EFCC and BPP to address systemic challenges and ensure integrity in the contract and procurement processes, ultimately promoting transparency and accountability in public sector operations.