Nigeria is taking a stronger stance against failed public projects.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a Debarment Policy, a move that allows government agencies to blacklist contractors who collect public funds but fail to deliver quality work as promised
The policy is aimed at strengthening accountability in public procurement and ensuring Nigerians get real value for their tax money.
To help us understand how this policy will work in practice and what it means for everyday Nigerians, I’m joined by Engnr. Adekunle Mokuolu, Former President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
1. Many Nigerians are familiar with abandoned or poorly executed public projects. How exactly will this debarment policy change the behaviour of contractors and protect public funds?
2. High-profile contract failures like the Sujimoto/Smart Schools project have sparked controversy. How would the new policy apply in such a case? especially if prominent figures are not prosecuted or listed publicly?
3. Briefly tell us, will ordinary Nigerians see better value for tax money if this policy is implemented effectively?
As this policy takes effect, Nigerians’ attention turns to its implementation and whether it will curb the excesses of contractors who abandon projects across the country and underdeliver.
