New Guidelines to Bar Corrupt Contractors from Procurement

The Federal Government has implemented a new national debarment guideline that allows for the exclusion of contractors found guilty of fraud, corruption, falsification of documents, or persistent failure to deliver on government contracts from participating in public procurement for up to five years. This directive was issued in a circular by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, with reference number 59780/S.2/B/585, dated August 12, 2026.

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), led by Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, clarified that these guidelines aim to eliminate corrupt and non-performing contractors from the procurement process, thereby protecting public funds. The circular outlines specific grounds for debarment, including bribery, fraud convictions, and document falsification.

Contractors will be notified of allegations and given 10 working days to respond. If a case is established, debarment may last between three to five years, barring the contractor from government contracts and business.