Hijacking procurement process: threat to Nigeria’s democracy, development – PRP

By Tunde Opalana

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has expressed deep concern on what it termed the erosion of integrity of democratic institutions and its impact on national development

The party posited that there are recent revelations regarding the pervasive corruption within Nigeria’s procurement process, while stressing that the very systems designed to safeguard public funds and ensure accountability have been systematically eroded.

With particular reference to the different cadres of the Nigerian public service the PRP said “the rampant practice of procurement manipulation has not only undermined the tenets of good governance but has turned the procurement process into a mockery of transparency and fairness.”

Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Redemption Party made the position of the party known in a statement he issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Edo Election Tribunal: Help your brother Gov. Okpebholo to Succeed

The party referred Nigerians to the illustration of the accounts shared by former Senator Babafemi Ojudu in which he said those who issue contracts are also the same individuals executing and overseeing them, which provides room for abuse.

It agreed with the politician that the alarming trend of awarding contracts to oneself or to companies owned by friends and/or associates has fostered an environment where accountability is non-existent.

Ishaq said “projects are inflated, funds are misappropriated, and quality is sacrificed—all in pursuit of personal gain.”

“The PRP stands firmly against this institutionalized corruption that has cast a shadow over our nation. As citizens bear witness to a cascade of dilapidated infrastructures—abandoned roads projects, phantom health centers, and ghost schools—the need for reform has never been greater.

“Every wasted resource is a blow to the promise of progress and a direct assault on the welfare of Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable among us.

“We believe that in order to reclaim our democracy and steer Nigeria towards genuine development, we must reaffirm our commitment to the foundational principles of procurement: transparency, competition, and independent oversight.

The PRP therefore called for; Enforcement of Procurement Laws, insisting that existing procurement regulations must be strictly enforced to deter corruption and ensure fair play in the awarding of contracts.

The party also demanded a clear separation of powers in which demarcation must be established between the entities that award and execute contracts to eliminate conflicts of interest and foster accountability.

“Strengthening Oversight Institutions. Procurement bureaus and audit offices must be empowered and safeguarded from political interference to ensure they can operate independently and effectively.

“Public Engagement: We urge civil society and citizens to remain vigilant and hold government officials at all levels accountable. It is time to demand answers and advocate for the inclusion of rigorous oversight mechanisms.

“Consequences for Corruption. A culture of impunity must end. Those found guilty of corrupt practices should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to deter future misconduct.

“As we continue to fight for a better Nigeria, the PRP reaffirms our commitment to uprooting corruption from our governance structures.

“Democracy is not merely about exercising our right to vote; it is fundamentally about how diligently we manage public resources in between elections.

“Let us come together to reclaim our democracy from the clutches of impostors and restore the hope of progress for all Nigerians.

“Our voices must unite in demanding accountability and integrity in all aspects of governance, particularly public procurement,” the statement read in part.