Professional Assessment of Procurement Methods Used in Federal Government Building Projects in Nigeria

The procurement method selected for federal government building projects significantly influences project cost, time, quality, and delivery risk, yet systematic professional assessment of procurement method suitability in the Nigerian federal public sector is lacking. This study assessed the types and suitability of procurement methods used in 30 federal government building projects across six geopolitical zones implemented between 2019 and 2023. Data were collected through review of contract documents, Bureau of Public Procurement records, and structured interviews with 60 procurement officers, project managers, and contractors. Projects were assessed for procurement method used (traditional, design and build, management contracting, or public-private partnership), and performance outcomes were compared across procurement types. Results showed that the traditional (sequential) procurement method was used in 77% of projects, despite its association with the longest delivery times. Design and build was used in 17% of projects, achieving 23% shorter delivery times than traditional procurement for comparable project types. Only 2 projects used public-private partnership arrangements. Cost overruns were highest under traditional procurement (mean: 41%) and lowest under design and build (mean: 18%). The study concludes that the federal government's over-reliance on traditional procurement is contributing to poor project delivery, and recommends the Bureau of Public Procurement develop a procurement selection guidance framework promoting design and build for routine institutional building projects.

Keywords: procurement methods, federal government projects, design and build, public procurement, Nigeria