RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strictly enforce regulations barring fraudulent and defaulting contractors, consultants and service providers from participating in federal procurement for between three and five years.
The directive is contained in a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, with reference number 59780/S.2/B/585, dated August 12, 2026.
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) reaffirmed the directive in a statement issued on October 20 by its Acting Head of Public Relations, Ngozi Anyaelezu.
According to the bureau, the measure is intended to address corruption, contract fraud, falsification of documents and persistent failure to execute government projects in accordance with contractual obligations.
Under the National Guideline on Debarment of Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers, companies found culpable of specified procurement violations may be excluded from Federal Government contracts for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years.
The guidelines identify bribery, offering inducements to procurement officials, fraudulent documentation, contract-related fraud and deliberate failure to fulfil contractual obligations as grounds for possible sanctions.
The BPP may initiate debarment proceedings following findings from procurement reviews, surveillance activities or audits.
Proceedings may also begin following a recommendation from a government procuring entity, supported by evidence and approved by its accounting officer.
However, affected contractors must be formally notified of the allegations against them and given 10 working days to respond before a determination is made.
Where the Debarment Committee establishes a violation, the affected contractor may be prohibited from bidding for or receiving Federal Government contracts throughout the sanction period.
Debarred companies will also be restricted from conducting government business as agents or representatives of other contractors, consultants or service providers.
Their names will be entered into the BPP database and published on the bureau’s website, the Federal Tenders Journal and other relevant platforms.
The Director-General of the BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, said the guidelines were designed to strengthen accountability, protect public funds and ensure value for money in government expenditure.
He warned that accounting officers and procuring entities that bypass the debarment registry or violate procurement regulations could face administrative and legal sanctions.
Adedokun directed procurement authorities to verify contractors’ compliance status before proceeding with contract awards.
The guidelines also provide a process through which sanctioned contractors may apply for reinstatement after completing their debarment period, provided they demonstrate evidence of corrective reforms.
The Federal Government maintained that the enforcement measures would promote transparency and discourage fraudulent practices in public procurement.
