Senator Ipinsagba Vows to End Portfolio Contractors in Nigeria

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba (APC, Ondo North), has pledged to put an end to the era of portfolio contractors—those who register companies without the capacity or resources to execute government contracts.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday while reviewing the committee’s activities, Ipinsagba described the procurement committee as the heartbeat of the Nigerian economy and emphasized the need for accountability in contract awarding processes.

Ensuring Capacity and Transparency in Procurement

Senator Ipinsagba stressed that government contracts should only be awarded to companies with proven capacity, resources, and manpower to execute projects effectively.

“We want to investigate whether you have the capacity, whether the resources are there, and whether you have the right manpower to handle government jobs. It’s not just about having a registered name. Do you have the equipment? The committee will evaluate both commercial and technical documents before approving any government contract,” he stated.

He further assured that the committee would strictly adhere to the Procurement Act of 2007 to ensure compliance and fairness.

Regulatory Role of the Committee

Senator Ipinsagba highlighted that the committee would function as a regulatory body overseeing procurement activities across ministries, departments, and agencies in Nigeria.

“We will put a stop to any procurement activities that are not properly conducted. Our responsibility is to ensure transparency, best practices, and accountability in public procurement,” he said.

Transitioning to a Digital Procurement System

The senator revealed that Nigeria’s procurement system is gradually transitioning to a digital model, moving away from traditional analog processes.

“We are working closely with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to implement a digital procurement system. This will ensure that Nigerians can monitor the process after tendering, making it more transparent and efficient,” he explained.

Competitive Bidding to Save Public Funds

Ipinsagba also emphasized that the committee would promote competitive bidding to allow equal participation and reduce costs for the government.

“Competitive bidding creates an opportunity for cost savings. It ensures that contracts are awarded based on merit and value for money,” he added.

The senator assured Nigerians that with time, the country’s procurement system would meet global standards, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and fairness in government contract awards.