ASSESSMENT OF PROCUREMENT PRACTICES IN THE ONDO STATE PUBLIC SECTOR CAPITAL PROJECTS

Abstract

This study assessed the procurement practices in the Ondo State public sector capital projects. The study identified the procurement methods utilized in the public sector and the structure put in place in Ondo State. It also evaluates the constraints and the policy measures that can improve the public procurement system in the State. A sample of One Hundred Staff from relevant government Ministries and Agencies were selected for the study. In order to achieve these objectives, data were collected through the use of structural questionnaire which was sent to various procurement inclined State Ministries and Departments and Agencies which comprises of Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Developments, Health, Education, Development Property Corporation, Water Corporation and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (WATSAN). The data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, likert rating, mean and frequency distribution were also used. The study revealed that open tendering is the most used method in Public Procurement in Ondo State with a rating index of 4.52. The study also revealed that open tendering is more competitive and transparent with RII of 0.86 and 0.84 respectively though it is cumbersome. However, for any specialized project, the study showed that Restricted Tendering, Request for Quotation and Single source procurement would be of better advantage to achieve the desired result. The study concluded that the choice of procurement methods for execution of projects should be based on desired target as government is advised to look inward and explore every avenue to sustain the preferred method for any project that will enhance the public confidence.