1.1 Introduction
Transparency and accountability are fundamental principles in public administration, particularly in the area of public procurement. Public procurement is defined as the process by which government institutions acquire goods, services, and works from private suppliers to meet the needs of the public in a cost-effective, efficient, and ethical manner (Thai, 2001). Transparency in this context refers to the openness and accessibility of procurement processes, ensuring that all stakeholders, including the public, have access to relevant information about how contracts are awarded, executed, and monitored (Obasanjo, 2017). Accountability, on the other hand, involves the obligation of government officials and institutions to be answerable for their actions, decisions, and the use of public resources, including compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks (Adekoya, 2020).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Public procurement is a vital component of governance, serving as a mechanism through which government resources are utilized to meet the needs of the society. According to Thai (2001), public procurement is the process by which public sector organizations acquire goods, services, and works from private suppliers in a manner that ensures efficiency, fairness, and value for money. Transparency and accountability are widely recognized as core principles in public procurement to prevent corruption, promote fairness, and enhance public trust (Obasanjo, 2017).
In Nigeria, the importance of public procurement has grown significantly due to the increasing scale of government expenditure and developmental projects. Eya (2019) reported that inadequate transparency and weak accountability mechanisms in public procurement have contributed to widespread cases of mismanagement, contract inflation, and embezzlement of public funds. Similarly, Ojo (2018) asserted that despite the introduction of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and the establishment of regulatory bodies such as the Bureau of Public Procurement, implementation challenges persist due to bureaucratic inefficiencies, political interference, and lack of effective monitoring.
Accountability in public procurement is critical for ensuring that government officials are answerable for their decisions and the management of public resources. Adekoya (2020) stated that effective accountability mechanisms, such as audits, oversight committees, and reporting requirements, are essential to detect and prevent irregularities in procurement processes. On the other hand, transparency ensures that procurement activities are open to scrutiny, enabling stakeholders, including the public, to have access to information about tender processes, contract awards, and project execution (Ojo, 2018).
Despite the regulatory frameworks and institutional mechanisms, challenges such as limited public participation, delayed contract execution, and corruption continue to undermine procurement integrity in Nigeria (Eya, 2019). Scholars contend that improving transparency and accountability in public procurement is essential for enhancing efficiency, promoting sustainable development, and restoring public confidence in government institutions (Obasanjo, 2017; Adekoya, 2020).
The Lagos State Bureau of Public Procurement is mandated to regulate procurement activities within the state, ensuring compliance with statutory guidelines and promoting value for money in the use of public funds. However, reports of irregularities in procurement processes continue to emerge, highlighting the need for comprehensive research to assess the effectiveness of transparency and accountability measures (Ojo, 2018). This study is set against the backdrop of examining the level of transparency and accountability in public procurement processes in Nigeria, with particular focus on the Lagos State Bureau of Public Procurement.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the issue of transparency and accountability in public procurement is a critical challenge in Nigeria, affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations. Public procurement involves the acquisition of goods, services, and works by government agencies, and it is expected to be conducted in a manner that promotes fairness, value for money, and integrity (Obasanjo, 2017). In many cases, procurement processes are not fully transparent, with inadequate disclosure of tender information and limited participation by qualified vendors.
Furthermore, accountability mechanisms in public procurement are often weak or ineffective. Although institutions such as audit bodies and oversight committees exist, their ability to enforce compliance and sanction erring officials is limited by bureaucratic inefficiency and political interference (Adekoya, 2020). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the role of transparency and accountability in public procurement processes in Nigeria.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess the impact of transparency and accountability on the effectiveness of public procurement processes in Lagos State, Nigeria.
The specific objectives of the study include:
- To examine the extent to which transparency is practiced in public procurement in Lagos State.
- To evaluate the level of accountability in procurement processes within the Lagos State Bureau of Public Procurement.
- To identify the challenges that hinder transparency and accountability in public procurement.
- To propose strategies for improving transparency and accountability in public procurement in Lagos State.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the study seeks to answer the following research questions:
- To what extent is transparency practiced in public procurement within Lagos State?
- How accountable are procurement officials in Lagos State in managing public resources?
- What are the major challenges that hinder transparency and accountability in public procurement in Lagos State?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve transparency and accountability in public procurement processes in Lagos State?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between transparency and accountability and the effectiveness of public procurement in Lagos State.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between transparency and accountability and the effectiveness of public procurement in Lagos State.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will raise awareness of best practices and ethical standards to improve procurement integrity. This study will also enable public officials and procurement practitioners to adopt best practices that promote openness, fairness, and value for money in the management of public resources.
Furthermore, the research will raise awareness among citizens about the significance of transparency and accountability in public procurement. In addition, the study will contribute to existing knowledge on public procurement and provide empirical data for future research.
Lastly, the study will serve as a reference for scholars and researchers interested in public administration, governance, and anti-corruption studies.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of this research is focused on the transparency and accountability in public procurement processes in Lagos State, Nigeria, with specific reference to the Lagos State Bureau of Public Procurement.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Public Procurement:
According to Thai (2001), public procurement is the process through which government institutions acquire goods, services, and works from private suppliers to meet public needs in an efficient, fair, and ethical manner.
Transparency:
Obasanjo (2017) stated that transparency in public procurement involves openness, access to relevant information, and clear procedures that allow stakeholders to observe and understand procurement decisions.
Accountability:
Adekoya (2020) affirmed that accountability is the obligation of officials to justify their decisions and actions in the management of public resources and to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
Corruption:
Eya (2019) contended that corruption in public procurement involves dishonest or fraudulent conduct by officials for personal gain, including favoritism, bribery, and contract inflation.
Regulatory Framework:
Ojo (2018) reported that the regulatory framework in public procurement refers to the laws, policies, and institutions that govern and monitor procurement activities to ensure compliance, fairness, and efficiency.
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