Aniefiok Christopher
The Federal Government has stopped contract awards until the supervising Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) secure approved budgetary provision and release of funds to ensure seamless implementation and timely completion of projects.
The Government has also directed respective supervising MDAs to capture processing and payment of contractors executing projects in the capital component of the budget and return of same to eliminate unnecessary delays.
Consequently, the federal government has directed the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), to issue a circular to that effect.
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Announcing this in his social media page on Monday, a member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem said these were some of his key recommendations during a recent retreat of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, held in Abuja on June 5, 2026.
Dr. Idem said these recommendations became necessary after he observed that the existing practice of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation in funding capital projects was not in compliance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and other extant laws and regulations governing public procurement and public financial management.
He noted that based on this, he therefore urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to correct the anomaly and ensure full compliance with the law.
‘‘The Federal Government approval and implementation of these recommendations and the correction of the identified anomaly in line with the Public Procurement Act, 2007, is contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and circulated to all relevant MDAs, titled “Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the 2026 Capital Budget.”
‘‘This development represents significant progress in our collective effort to strengthen Nigeria’s public procurement system, uphold the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, promote fiscal discipline, improve project delivery, and ensure greater value for public funds,’’ he remarked.
The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency pointed out that ‘‘It also aligns with our ongoing legislative drive to deepen transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public financial management.’’
‘‘As Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, I remain committed to providing purposeful legislative oversight and supporting reforms that will enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s procurement process.
‘‘I will continue to work closely with all relevant institutions to ensure that public resources are prudently managed, capital projects are executed without avoidable delays, and the dividends of good governance are delivered efficiently to the Nigerian people,’’ Idem added.
