TMV Hails New FG Policy on Contract Variation, Says Move Will Curb Corruption
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TMV Hails New FG Policy on Contract Variation, Says Move Will Curb Corruption
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Tinubu Media Volunteers, TMV has commended the Federal Government’s newly introduced policy on contract variation and augmentation across ministries, departments and agencies, describing it as a step toward strengthening transparency in public procurement.
The group said the policy, which centralises contract variation approvals under the Bureau of Public Procurement, would help reduce loopholes in project execution and enhance accountability in government spending.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, TMV noted that the guidelines represent a significant shift in contract management practices in the country.
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The new framework designates the BPP as a clearing house for all contract variations before they are forwarded to the appropriate approving authorities, including the Federal Executive Council, Ministerial Tenders Boards, and other bodies such as the National Assembly and the National Judicial Council.
According to the group, the policy is derived from Sections 5(a) and (o) of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and supersedes the 2013 guidelines that required presidential approval for variations exceeding 15 per cent of contracts valued above N1bn.
“The new policy encompasses comprehensive guidelines on the implementation of the revised policy on variations of contract sums and mandatory use of final designs,” the statement said.
TMV explained that under the revised framework, variation or augmentation sums, rather than total revised project costs, will determine the appropriate approving authority.
It added that variations of N10bn and above will require approval by the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly Tenders Board and the National Judicial Council, while those between N5bn and below N10bn will be handled by Ministerial Tenders Boards.
The group further noted that variations ranging from N75m to below N5bn will fall under Parastatal and Judicial Tenders Boards, in line with the new approval structure.
It also stressed that no variation or fluctuation claim will be considered by any approving authority without a Certificate of No Objection issued by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
According to TMV, the policy is designed to ensure stricter compliance with procurement rules, improve cost control and promote transparency in public infrastructure delivery.
“We consider the new guidelines apt in Nigeria’s contract management and administration as they will help plug loopholes and restore sanity and transparency in the system,” the group said.
TMV commended the Tinubu administration for implementing the policy, describing it as part of broader efforts to strengthen governance and ensure more efficient use of public resources for national development.
