Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a comprehensive debarment policy aimed at sanctioning contractors who deliver substandard work, abandon projects, or fail to meet contractual obligations. This measure empowers the federal government to blacklist non-performing companies not only domestically but also internationally, marking a significant step in enhancing accountability in public procurement.
The policy was announced by Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), during an exclusive interview in Abuja on December 29-30, 2025. Adedokun, appointed in November 2024, explained that the initiative directly addresses longstanding issues of poor project execution that have plagued Nigeria's infrastructure development.
“Debarment policy means if a contractor does a bad job, if a contractor fails to deliver quality work, that contractor can be blacklisted,” Adedokun stated. “Once a contractor who has collected government money refuses to do the job, or does a bad job, or did not complete the job, we will recommend blacklisting of that company, not only in Nigeria but internationally.”
The DG emphasized that the policy is dual-purpose: punitive for defaulters while rewarding excellence. Contractors demonstrating high standards will receive continued support and preferences in future bids. He pointed to ongoing flagship projects as proof of improving quality under stricter oversight.
“Please take a ride to Lagos–Calabar; you will see quality of job. Take a ride to Abuja–Kaduna–Kano; you will see good job. Take a look at the ongoing work between Mararaba and Keffi. Look at electricity; today, there’s a lot of improvement,” Adedokun noted. “This is because everything that they want to buy, every equipment they want to buy, they must show us specifications.”
These reforms align with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, transforming procurement from a potential bottleneck into an enabler of transparency, accountability, and value for money. A key component is the intensified enforcement of the “Nigeria First” policy, prioritizing local content and domestic manufacturers.
“We are now going to enforce the Nigerian First policy as directed by Mr. President. We are going to introduce community-based procurement,” Adedokun revealed. “And with all of this, the women affirmative procurement—these are new things that the President wants to unleash in procurement so that the youth, the women, and vulnerable groups will have certain projects given to them.”
This inclusive approach includes set-asides for women-led businesses, youth enterprises, and disadvantaged communities, fostering broader economic participation.
The BPP's efforts have already delivered substantial fiscal benefits. Adedokun disclosed that through rigorous benchmarking and scrutiny, the agency saved the federal government approximately ₦1.1 trillion in 2025 alone—surpassing cumulative savings from 2007 to 2024.
A dedicated Price Intelligence Unit plays a pivotal role, comparing proposed costs against market realities. “If a hospital was proposed at ₦10 billion and benchmarking shows it should be ₦9 billion, that ₦1 billion saved can now be used for other projects,” he illustrated. “In some cases, agencies that would have bought 10 vehicles were able to get 15 because of the savings.”
These savings stem from blocking inflated bids, enforcing competitive tendering, and mandating detailed specifications. The reforms also include digitalization initiatives, capacity building for over 4,000 procurement officers, and updated bidding documents to enhance transparency.
Adedokun expressed optimism that sustained implementation will curb corruption, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and alleviate poverty. “You will see a rapid, massive transformation in the way Nigerians do things,” he predicted. “Let’s put Nigerian people first, and with that, we can achieve the dream of a Nigeria that works for everyone.”
The debarment policy complements other measures, such as revised procurement thresholds and the National Procurement Certification Programme. Stakeholders have praised the BPP's progress, noting its alignment with global best practices and potential to stimulate local industries.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, these procurement reforms under President Tinubu's administration signal a commitment to efficient resource utilization and equitable growth. The blacklisting mechanism, in particular, is expected to deter malpractice and elevate project standards nationwide.
With international ramifications for blacklisted firms, the policy positions Nigeria as a leader in procurement integrity across Africa. As 2025 ends, the BPP's achievements underscore a turning point in public financial management, promising lasting benefits for citizens.
