EFCC Warns Nigerians on Procurement Fraud

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EFCC Warns Nigerians on Procurement Fraud


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has outlined important facts about procurement fraud, describing it as one of the gravest threats to transparency and accountability in Nigeria.

In a public awareness message on its official X handle, the agency reminded Nigerians of a statement by its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in January 2025, where he disclosed that over 90% of corruption cases in Nigeria stemmed from procurement and contract fraud.

According to the EFCC, procurement fraud happens when individuals or organisations deliberately manipulate the procurement process for personal or corporate gain, usually to the detriment of others.

Some of the common forms include:

  • Bid rigging – colluding to fix winners in advance.
  • Bribery – offering or accepting inducements to sway decisions.
  • Kickbacks – receiving payments in exchange for favourable treatment.
  • Over-invoicing – exaggerating costs or quantities.
  • Product substitution – supplying inferior items contrary to contract agreements.

The agency stressed that procurement fraud is widespread across sectors such as government contracting, construction, and private business, warning that it results in financial losses, loss of public trust, and reputational damage.

Citing the Public Procurement Act (2007), the EFCC noted that offenders face between five and ten years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine. Corrupt procurement officers may also be dismissed, while companies found guilty could be banned from government contracts for at least five years and fined up to 25% of the fraudulent contract’s value.

To drive home its point, the commission referenced the conviction of Indian businessman Chandra Singh, who was sentenced on February 27, 2025, to 10 years in prison without the option of a fine, and ordered to repay N345 million after being found guilty of procurement fraud worth N816 million.

The EFCC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist manipulation in contract dealings, stressing that combating procurement fraud is essential to protecting public resources, ensuring fairness, and driving national development.


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