Table of Contents
Abstract. 2
CHAPTER ONE.. 6
INTRODUCTION.. 6
1.1 Background to the Study.. 6
1.2 Statement of the Problem... 8
1.3 Objectives of the Study.. 9
1.4 Research Questions. 9
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 10
1.6 Significance of the Study.. 10
1.7 Scope of the Study.. 11
1.8 Limitations of the Study.. 11
1.9 Organization of the Study.. 11
CHAPTER TWO.. 14
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.. 14
2.1 Introduction.. 14
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 14
2.2.1 Technological Transparency Theory.. 14
2.2.2 Information Access Theory.. 15
2.2.3 Competition Enhancement Theory.. 15
2.2.4 Regulatory Compliance Theory.. 16
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 16
2.4 Empirical Review.. 19
2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 21
Chapter Three.. 22
Research Methodology This chapter outlines the methodological framework employed to investigate the role of e-procurement in promoting transparency and accountability in public procurement, focusing on Ibom Power Plant as a case study. The chapter discusses the research design, study area, population, sample size, sampling techniques, data collection methods, research instruments, validity and reliability of the instruments, procedure for data analysis, and ethical considerations.. 22
3.1 Research Design.. 22
3.2 Area of the Study.. 22
3.3 Population of the Study.. 23
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques. 23
3.5 Research Instruments. 23
3.6 Validity and Reliability of Instruments. 24
3.7 Procedure for Data Collection.. 24
3.8 Data Analysis Techniques. 25
3.9 Ethical Considerations. 25
3.10 Summary.. 26
CHAPTER FOUR.. 26
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.. 26
4.1 Preamble.. 26
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 27
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS.. 31
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one:. 31
4.4 Testing Hypothesis. 42
Discussion of Findings. 45
CHAPTER FIVE.. 47
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECPOMMENDATIONS.. 47
5.1 Summary of Findings. 47
5.2 Conclusion.. 48
5.3 Recommendations. 49
REFERENCES.. 51
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
E-procurement, the process of conducting procurement activities electronically through internet-based platforms, has emerged as a transformative tool in enhancing transparency and accountability in public procurement practices worldwide. In Nigeria, where corruption and inefficiencies have historically plagued the public procurement sector, the adoption of e-procurement systems presents a promising solution to address these challenges. This paper aims to explore the pivotal role of e-procurement in promoting transparency and accountability within Nigeria's public procurement framework, examining its impact on reducing corruption, increasing competition, and improving overall governance.
E-procurement platforms enable real-time monitoring and documentation of procurement processes, providing stakeholders with greater visibility into transactions and expenditures. By digitizing procurement procedures, government agencies can mitigate the risks of corruption and collusion, as well as ensure adherence to established regulations and guidelines. Furthermore, e-procurement fosters fair competition among vendors by facilitating equal access to tender opportunities and reducing barriers to entry, thereby promoting a more competitive marketplace.
Empirical evidence suggests that countries embracing e-procurement systems have experienced significant improvements in transparency and accountability within their public procurement processes (OECD, 2018). For instance, a study by World Bank Group (2020) found that the implementation of e-procurement in Colombia led to a substantial reduction in procurement costs and instances of bid rigging. Similarly, research by Arrowsmith and Larouche (2019) highlights the positive impact of e-procurement on governance outcomes, including increased efficiency, reduced corruption, and enhanced public trust.
In Nigeria, the government has recognized the importance of e-procurement in promoting transparency and accountability within the public sector. Initiatives such as the Nigeria Electronic Procurement System (NEPS) have been introduced to digitize procurement processes and enhance efficiency (BudgIT, 2023). However, challenges remain, including limited internet access in remote areas, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for capacity building among procurement stakeholders (Adelakun et al., 2022). Despite these hurdles, the ongoing efforts to leverage e-procurement technologies underscore Nigeria's commitment to improving governance and combating corruption in public procurement.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The inefficiency and opacity in public procurement processes have long plagued Nigeria's governance landscape, leading to widespread corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Despite existing regulations and oversight mechanisms, the lack of transparency and accountability remains a significant challenge. E-procurement has emerged as a potential solution to address these issues by digitizing the procurement process, making it more transparent, accountable, and efficient. However, the implementation of e-procurement in Nigeria faces various hurdles, including technological infrastructure limitations, resistance to change from stakeholders, and inadequate capacity building. Without overcoming these obstacles, the potential of e-procurement to promote transparency and accountability in public procurement remains unrealized (Ololube, 2019).
Furthermore, the reliance on manual procurement processes in Nigeria not only hampers efficiency but also creates ample opportunities for corruption and rent-seeking behavior among public officials and suppliers. E-procurement systems offer a centralized platform for documenting procurement transactions, ensuring proper record-keeping, and enabling real-time monitoring and evaluation. By leveraging technology, e-procurement can enhance transparency by providing stakeholders with access to procurement data, promoting competition among suppliers, and reducing the incidence of fraud and collusion. However, the successful implementation of e-procurement requires not only investment in technology but also institutional reforms, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement to foster a culture of transparency and accountability (Udoh, 2020).
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the role of e-procurement in promoting transparency and accountability in public procurement in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To assess the impact of e-procurement on transparency in public procurement processes in Nigeria.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of e-procurement in strengthening accountability mechanisms for public procurement in Nigeria.
- To identify challenges and opportunities associated with utilizing e-procurement for improved transparency and accountability in Nigerian public procurement.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- To what extent does e-procurement increase public access to information on government procurement projects in Nigeria?
- How does the use of e-procurement systems affect the fairness and competitiveness of the bidding process for public contracts in Nigeria?
- What are the perceptions of stakeholders regarding the impact of e-procurement on transparency and accountability in Nigerian public procurement?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no significant relationship between the adoption of e-procurement systems and the level of transparency and accountability in public procurement processes in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Purchasing & Supply sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Ibom Power Plant. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
