INVESTIGATION OF THE EXTENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH NIGERIAN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW: A SURVEY IN THE SELECTED MINISTRIES AND AGENCY

Abstract

: The study investigated the extent of compliance with the Lagos state public procurement law in the study area. These were with a view to assessing the extent to which the implementation of public procurement policy has enhanced openness and efficiency among the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in Lagos State. The study utilized primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were collected through administration of questionnaire and conduct of in-depth interview. The study population of 1,398 comprised the staff and stakeholders from agency, ministries, construction companies, and civil societies. The distribution was as follows: Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (100) ministries of Works and Infrastructure (240); Justice (481); Finance (89); and Housing (110). In addition, Hitech Construction Company (70); Craneburg Construction Company (69); Planets Projects (64); and Messers (FIDC) 58. Furthermore, BudgIT (31); Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Projects (32); Ymonitor (29); and Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (25). The study adopted a proportionate random sampling technique of 15%. In the long run, sample of 210 respondents were selected for purpose of questionnaire administration. Also, two senior procurement officers in the Ministries of Works and Infrastructure, and Housing, with one senior officer of Lagos State Public Procurement Agency were chosen for in-depth interview. Data collected were analysed using percentage, mean, regression, and content analysis. The study revealed that the implementation of public procurement law enhanced compliance among the procuring entities in the area of professionalism (68.3%), competitiveness (59%), and adjudicatory mechanism (59.9%). The results also showed a statistically significant relationship in the extent of compliance with the public procurement law variant (openness and efficiency) and the selected procuring entities with the result of P-value 0.000, and the chosen α -value of 5%, 0.000<0.05 respectively. The regression indicated multi linear relationship among the procuring entities and variables of probity, openness, efficiency, N=2.413-0.044P+0.173R+0.212E. The study concluded that there was low compliance with the Public Procurement Law in the Implementation of Public Procurement Policy in Lagos State.