Implementation of E-Procurement in Public Building Projects of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Abuja

Abstract

The traditional procurement system adopted in the delivery of building construction projects by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is frequently challenged with problems of transparency, accountability, fraud, corruption, among others. These have negatively affected the outcome of many construction projects, and thereby calling for e procurement technology. Thus, this study examined the approaches for implementation of e procurement in building construction projects in FCTA, with a view to mitigating procurement fraud in the sector. The study adopted a survey design approach using quantitative research method. One hundred and twenty-seven (127) questionnaires were administered to procurement staff of the FCTA secretariat, out of which 125 questionnaires were returned and found valid for analysis. The collected data using a stratified sampling method were analysed using the Mean Item Score (MIS), Relative Importance Index (RII) and Kruskal-Wallis Test. The study found that Good governance in reduction of collusion among bidders (4.65); transparency and openness of information on public procurement (4.54); and Cost and time savings in sending tender evaluation reports to approving authority (4.51), were the main prospects of implementing e-procurement in the FCTA. Among the important action plans for effective implementation of e-procurement system included: Development of a plan and commitment of resources towards the e-procurement project, with RII value of 0.96; Development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure success against identified procurement goals (RII: 0.87); and Securing executive sponsorship for the e-procurement initiative (0.87). There was consistency in the views of the majority of procurement staff with regards to the responses provided. The research concluded that implementation of e procurement technology for building projects in the FCTA would translate into a major reduction in procurement fraud in the sector. The study recommended that both the Federal and State Governments should come up with policies and frameworks that will mandate FCTA construction projects to be procured through e-procurement platform.