FG INTRODUCES FIVE-YEAR BLACKLIST FOR DEFAULTING CONTRACTORS

The Federal Government has approved new guidelines allowing contractors, consultants and service providers to be barred from participating in Federal Government procurement for between three and five years.

The new rules target six major violations, including bribery, fraud convictions, deliberate failure to meet contract terms, repeated poor performance, document falsification and debarment by a multilateral organisation.

The guideline, contained in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and value for money in public procurement.

Under the rules, contractors found guilty of offering money, gifts, employment or other benefits to influence procurement decisions may be debarred. Firms convicted of fraud or offences linked to public contracts may also face the sanction.

Contractors that deliberately fail to perform their contractual obligations or have a record of unsatisfactory performance may also be excluded from future government procurement. Falsifying documents is another ground for debarment.

A debarred contractor cannot receive new government contracts, participate in subcontracts or act as an agent or representative for another contractor, consultant or service provider. The sanction may also extend to partners in joint ventures.

The Bureau of Public Procurement will investigate cases and notify affected contractors, who will be given an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.

The Debarment Committee may impose a ban lasting at least three years and not more than five years. Once approved, the contractor’s name will be published on the BPP database, Federal Tenders Journal and other official platforms.

The government said the guideline takes effect immediately and directed all accounting officers and procurement officials to ensure strict compliance.