Digitizing the grey areas in the Nigerian public procurement system using e-procurement technologies

The importance of public procurement can be perceived through the opening up of cities, provision of critical infrastructure, leading to the improvement of the quality of life of the citizens. However, the success of public procurement in the provision of fixed infrastructure is at the detriment of grey areas that corrupt public officials use as loopholes to embezzle public funds. Therefore, this study was aimed at examining the grey areas that exist in the public procurement process with a view to identifying the appropriate digital solutions available in e-Procurement technologies. The study utilized a research survey approach using a questionnaire instrument directed at six (6) geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Using a two-stage sampling technique, 759 construction stakeholders with actual knowledge on the use of e-Procurement technologies and public sector procurement participated in the study. The study identified e-Procurement tools and technologies used by construction stakeholders to announce/notify, exchange project information, conduct tendering and submission of a proposal, notification on the award of contract, monitor the progress of work, and make/receive payment for work done in the public procurement sector. This study showed the significant grey areas of procurement processes that need digitalization using e-Procurement technologies to eradicate corrupt behavior/tendencies. The digital divide in public procurement can be reduced, and proper accountability of public funds using digital solutions. The study showed the digital solutions used for public procurement by construction stakeholders in the Nigerian public procurement industry.