Public Procurement and White-Collar Crime in Nigeria: A Criminological Analysis of Corruption, Fraud and Institutional Accountability

Abstract

Public procurement is a fundamental component of public administration through which governments acquire goods, works and services required to fulfil their statutory responsibilities and provide essential services to citizens. It covers a range of activities, including needs assessment, procurement planning, tendering, bid evaluation, contract award, contract execution, payment and monitoring. Because these activities involve public resources and interactions between government officials and private-sector organisations, procurement decisions have important implications for public expenditure, administrative integrity and the quality of public services. A transparent and competitive procurement system can promote value for money, encourage fair competition and strengthen public confidence in government institutions. Conversely, weaknesses in procurement administration may create opportunities for corruption, fraud, favouritism and the diversion of public resources. Public procurement therefore represents not only an administrative and economic activity but also an important subject of criminological investigation (Williams-Elegbe, 2018).