Impact of Bureaucratic Corruption on Public Procurement Processes in the FCTA, Abuja

Abstract

Bureaucratic Corruption constitutes most of the activities of public officials saddled with the responsibility of implementing government policies and programs as they tend to compromise their position and the trust accorded them by indulging in selfish activities as kickbacks, fraud, and bribery, all in the verge of making extra income, which tends to frustrate the provision of essential services. Some of these unwholesome practices of public officials are sometimes influenced by politicians and business partners. The means of acquiring such essential services are mostly done through public procurement process, which is intended to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money. The objective of the research study is to examine the impact of bureaucratic corruption on public procurement Processes in the FCTA. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research methods in the data collection, which were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. The theory that was suitable for the research study is the Parent-Agent theory. The research discovered that the opaque process and the weak institutional framework had created a window for procurement officers and contractors to collide in manipulating the bid process to favour preferred contractors. The findings, however, recommended the full adoption of E-Procurement to ensure the digitalization of procurement activities for easy monitoring and also to improve the oversight functions of the investigative bodies in the areas of enforcement of public procurement laws.