SENATE MOVES TO AMEND PROCUREMENT, LOCAL CONTENT LAWS TO INCLUDE NEW LOCAL CONTRACTORS
POLITICS - Posted on: 5th Jul. 2025 at 1:11AM
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday took a significant step toward promoting local participation in federal contracts by directing its Committees on Public Procurement and Local Content to collaborate with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) on amending key procurement and local content laws.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Sadiq Suleiman (APC, Kwara North) during plenary. The motion seeks to open up access to public contracts—particularly in construction and infrastructure—to newly registered local contractors and small-scale businesses, who have long been excluded by existing procurement rules.
While presenting the motion, Senator Suleiman decried the systemic marginalization of indigenous small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the awarding of federal government contracts. He stressed that empowering local contractors would boost job creation, promote grassroots development, and ensure that public funds remain within the Nigerian economy.
Other lawmakers echoed his sentiments. Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) noted that many local contractors possess the capacity and expertise required for such projects but are unfairly sidelined due to rigid procurement guidelines.
Similarly, Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) questioned the rationale behind excluding qualified Nigerian firms from contracts in their own country. “No Nigerian contractor, no matter how highly skilled, can go to China and get a contract,” he said. “I don’t see why we should not engage our own people in construction.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also expressed frustration over the continued marginalization of indigenous contractors, calling for urgent amendments to the Local Content Act. “It’s not that we don’t like foreigners,” he said, “but our people should not be left behind. The local contractors are being shortchanged.”
Following the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted. Akpabio then directed the relevant committees to work closely with the BPP in revising the laws to facilitate the inclusion of startups and newly registered companies in federal contracting processes.
“I believe this will correct the systemic flaws in our contracting system,” Akpabio said. “You can’t have experience if you’re never given an opportunity. Someone has to take that chance on you.”
The proposed amendment is seen as a crucial move to foster inclusivity, build local capacity, and ensure fair competition in the nation’s procurement ecosystem.
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday took a significant step toward promoting local participation in federal contracts by directing its Committees on Public Procurement and Local Content to collaborate with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) on amending key procurement and local content laws.The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Sadiq Suleiman (APC, Kwara North) during plenary. The motion seeks to open up access to public contracts—particularly in construction and infrastructure—to newly registered local contractors and small-scale businesses, who have long been excluded by existing procurement rules.
While presenting the motion, Senator Suleiman decried the systemic marginalization of indigenous small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the awarding of federal government contracts. He stressed that empowering local contractors would boost job creation, promote grassroots development, and ensure that public funds remain within the Nigerian economy.
Other lawmakers echoed his sentiments. Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) noted that many local contractors possess the capacity and expertise required for such projects but are unfairly sidelined due to rigid procurement guidelines.
Similarly, Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) questioned the rationale behind excluding qualified Nigerian firms from contracts in their own country. “No Nigerian contractor, no matter how highly skilled, can go to China and get a contract,” he said. “I don’t see why we should not engage our own people in construction.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also expressed frustration over the continued marginalization of indigenous contractors, calling for urgent amendments to the Local Content Act. “It’s not that we don’t like foreigners,” he said, “but our people should not be left behind. The local contractors are being shortchanged.”
Following the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted. Akpabio then directed the relevant committees to work closely with the BPP in revising the laws to facilitate the inclusion of startups and newly registered companies in federal contracting processes.
“I believe this will correct the systemic flaws in our contracting system,” Akpabio said. “You can’t have experience if you’re never given an opportunity. Someone has to take that chance on you.”
The proposed amendment is seen as a crucial move to foster inclusivity, build local capacity, and ensure fair competition in the nation’s procurement ecosystem.
Posted by: Emdee David
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