The Nigerian Federal Government has rejected a recent U.S. Department of State report that questions the transparency of Nigeria’s public procurement system.

In its 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report, the United States listed Nigeria among 32 African nations showing “no significant progress” in fiscal accountability—particularly highlighting gaps in the disclosure of procurement contracts. While acknowledging improvements in publishing budget documents and debt obligations, the report criticised the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation for not releasing comprehensive budget execution reports and for lacking institutional independence.

“The government did not publish accessible information on public procurement contracts,” the report stated, adding that Nigeria’s audit institution “does not meet international standards of independence.”

Nigeria’s Swift Response

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) dismissed the allegations as “false and lacking in merit.”

Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, BPP’s Director-General, defended ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu, noting that procurement practices have become more open and competitive.

“Since he undertook procurement reform, things have changed. Contracts are being advertised, there’s benchmarking, price intelligence, and engagement with civil society for monitoring and evaluation,” Adedokun said.

He highlighted cases where foreign firms successfully bid for contracts without a physical presence in Nigeria, describing it as clear evidence of transparency.

Key Reform Measures Cited

• Electronic Procurement: The government is rolling out e-procurement platforms to reduce human discretion and increase oversight.

• Inclusive Participation: Women, youths, and persons with disabilities are being encouraged to take part in procurement processes.

• Anti-Graft Collaboration: Agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, Police, and Code of Conduct Bureau are actively prosecuting procurement-related violations.

Why It Matters

The U.S. argues that fiscal transparency is essential to attracting investment, combating corruption, and aligning with global standards—particularly for countries rich in natural resources. Nigeria, for its part, maintains that its recent reforms demonstrate a clear commitment to these goals, even if international observers remain unconvinced.

As the debate continues, the spotlight is now on how effectively Nigeria can showcase measurable outcomes from its procurement reforms and reassure investors and watchdogs alike.