Public Procurement Process and Value for Money in Anambra State Government Ministries

Public procurement accounts for a substantial share of government expenditure in sub-national governments across Nigeria, yet persistent inefficiencies, corruption vulnerabilities, and procedural weaknesses continue to undermine the achievement of value for money in state-level procurement processes. This study examines the relationship between public procurement processes and value for money outcomes in Anambra State Government ministries. The study is anchored on the Principal-Agent Theory, which frames the relationship between the government (principal) and procurement officers and contractors (agents) as one susceptible to moral hazard and information asymmetry without adequate oversight structures. A mixed methods research design was adopted. The study population comprised procurement officers, internal audit staff, and ministry directors across eight selected Anambra State ministries. A sample of 143 respondents was drawn using purposive and stratified sampling methods. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and document review of procurement records. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics including regression analysis. Findings reveal that open competitive bidding, independent evaluation committees, and post-contract performance audits are the procurement mechanisms most consistently associated with value for money outcomes. The study further identifies single-source procurement and inadequate record-keeping as the most prevalent procedural weaknesses compromising value efficiency. It is concluded that transparent and competitive procurement processes are essential for optimising public expenditure and reducing fiscal leakages in Anambra State. The study recommends that the Anambra State Public Procurement Authority strengthen enforcement of the Public Procurement Act and introduce digital procurement platforms to enhance transparency.

Keywords: Public procurement, value for money, Anambra State, Principal-Agent Theory, government ministries