Nigeria’s National Assembly Faces Criticism Over Lack of Transparency in Procurement Processes- USTR

A recent United States report has cast a spotlight on Nigeria’s National Assembly, criticizing its lack of transparency in procurement processes. The findings reveal systemic flaws that undermine accountability, raising concerns about how public funds are managed within the country’s legislative body.

The findings, published in the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on foreign trade barriers, highlight ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s efforts to establish open and competitive bidding practices for government procurement. This has sparked urgent calls for reforms to restore trust and align with global standards of governance.

The report highlights that the National Assembly, Nigeria’s bicameral legislature tasked with lawmaking and oversight, operates procurement processes shrouded in opacity. Procurement, the acquisition of goods, services, or infrastructure, is a critical function requiring openness to prevent corruption and ensure efficiency.

However, the Assembly’s procedures lack clarity, with limited public access to details about contracts, vendors, or decision-making criteria, making it difficult to verify fairness or value.

Lack of Competitive Bidding

A major concern is the absence of robust competitive bidding mechanisms. Open bidding ensures contracts are awarded based on merit, fostering competition and cost-effectiveness. The U.S. assessment suggests that the National Assembly’s practices fall short of international benchmarks, potentially allowing favoritism or insider deals to influence outcomes. This opacity not only risks mismanagement but also erodes public confidence in the legislature’s integrity.

Implications for Governance

The stakes are high for Nigeria, where the National Assembly plays a pivotal role in approving budgets and overseeing the executive. Transparent procurement is essential to democratic accountability, yet the report’s findings fuel perceptions of corruption, a persistent challenge for the country. When lawmakers operate without scrutiny, it weakens trust in governance and hampers efforts to address pressing issues like infrastructure deficits and economic instability.

Calls for Reform and Modernization

In light of these concerns, experts and advocates are pushing for reforms. Proposals include mandatory public disclosure of procurement plans, bids, and awards to enable oversight by citizens and civil society. Adopting e-procurement platforms could further enhance accessibility and streamline processes. Additionally, training legislators and staff on ethical practices is seen as vital to fostering a culture of accountability within the Assembly.

A Path Forward for Accountability

While the National Assembly has not yet responded officially to the report, the findings shows the need for action. Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act of 2007 provides a framework, but inconsistent enforcement limits its impact. Strengthening oversight bodies like the Bureau of Public Procurement and empowering them to monitor legislative activities could close gaps and restore credibility.

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