FG INTRODUCES 14-DAY WAIT BEFORE FEDERAL CONTRACTS ARE SIGNED

The Federal Government has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies to observe a mandatory 14-calendar-day waiting period before executing public procurement contracts.

The directive, contained in a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, is intended to give unsuccessful bidders time to seek clarification or challenge procurement decisions before contracts are concluded.

Under the new procedure, procuring entities must first notify all participating bidders of an intended contract award after the relevant approval has been obtained.

The contract agreement cannot then be executed, and the Letter of Award cannot become effective, until the 14-day period expires.

Where a complaint is submitted during the waiting period, further steps toward contract execution are to be suspended where applicable until the matter is addressed under the Public Procurement Act and relevant guidelines.

Procurement officers are also required to keep records of notices issued, complaints received and actions taken to resolve them.

The Federal Government warned that procuring entities that fail to comply could face administrative sanctions.

The directive applies to ongoing and future procurement activities and is to be implemented alongside existing procurement laws and guidelines issued by the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The government said the measure would strengthen transparency, fairness and accountability in the federal contracting process.