A nationwide survey has revealed that most Nigerian businesses face significant challenges in accessing government procurement opportunities, prompting the Network for Fiscal Governance and Accountability Development (NEFGAD) to call for urgent reforms to improve transparency, accountability and competitiveness in public procurement.

The findings, released on Thursday by the procurement advocacy organisation, showed that 63.6 per cent of respondents described access to government procurement opportunities as difficult or very difficult, suggesting that many qualified businesses continue to face barriers in competing for public contracts.

The digital perception survey, conducted among civil society organisations, contractors, consultants, procurement professionals and service providers, also exposed broader concerns over the transparency and effectiveness of Nigeria’s public procurement system.

According to the report, only 40.9 per cent of respondents rated public procurement processes as transparent or very transparent, while the majority believed the system was either only somewhat transparent or lacked sufficient openness.

The survey further found that 54.6 per cent of respondents believed procurement opportunities are rarely or never advertised fairly and openly, raising concerns over equal access, competition and fairness in the award of public contracts.

NEFGAD also noted declining public confidence in procurement oversight, with nearly 60 per cent of respondents describing the existing oversight system as ineffective or very ineffective.

The organisation, however, said the survey reflected overwhelming public support for greater openness in government contracting. It noted that 81.8 per cent of respondents supported the public disclosure of all awarded contracts and contract performance reports to enable citizens monitor the use of public funds and ensure contractors deliver projects as agreed.

Commenting on the findings, NEFGAD said that although Nigeria has made progress in establishing a legal framework for public procurement, implementation challenges continue to undermine transparency, competition, efficiency and public trust.

The group stressed that public procurement remains one of the most critical components of public financial management, adding that strengthening procurement governance is essential to reducing corruption, achieving value for money and accelerating national development.

Among the key reforms identified by respondents, the introduction of a comprehensive electronic procurement (e-procurement) system ranked highest.

Other priorities included prompt payment of contractors, stronger and more independent procurement oversight institutions, improved public access to procurement information, tougher sanctions for procurement violations, amendments to the Public Procurement Act 2007, and the inauguration of the National Council on Public Procurement as provided by law.

NEFGAD therefore urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, the Bureau of Public Procurement, state governments and all procuring entities to urgently implement a nationwide e-procurement system and mandate the proactive publication of procurement plans, tender notices, bid evaluation reports, awarded contracts and contract performance reports.

It also called for improved access to procurement opportunities through a centralised digital procurement portal, prompt payment of contractors to enhance project delivery, stricter enforcement of sanctions for procurement breaches, and the speedy amendment of the Public Procurement Act alongside the inauguration of the National Council on Public Procurement.

The organisation maintained that implementing the recommended reforms would significantly enhance transparency, promote fair competition, strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in the management of public resources.

NEFGAD reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in public procurement across Nigeria.