Federal Government Requires ELRA Certification for Contractors

The Federal Government has made the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA) certificate a mandatory requirement for contractors seeking public procurement contracts that involve equipment leasing, hiring, or provision. This directive was communicated in a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and signed by Ngozi Anyaelezu, the acting Head of Public Relations at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

The BPP's Director-General, Adebowale Adedokun, emphasized that procurement approvals and contract awards would not be granted for equipment leasing transactions that do not comply with this new requirement. All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must ensure that evidence of ELRA registration is included in procurement processes.

The circular also mandates that compliance with the registration of lease agreements, as per Section 13 of the Equipment Leasing Act, 2015, be an eligibility criterion for bids. Adedokun warned that administrative and regulatory sanctions would be imposed for violations, aiming to enhance safety and quality standards in public procurement.