The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has commended the Federal Government’s newly introduced policy on contract variation and augmentation across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), describing it as a major step toward enhancing transparency, accountability and cost efficiency in public procurement.
The group noted that the new policy centralizes the processing of contract variations under the supervision of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), which will serve as a clearing house for all requests before they are forwarded to approving authorities such as the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Ministerial Tenders Boards, the National Assembly and the National Judicial Council.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, TMV explained that the revised guidelines supersede the 2013 policy, which required presidential approval for contract variations exceeding 15 per cent of the original contract value of N1 billion.
According to the group, the new framework, derived from Section 5(a) and (o) of the Public Procurement Act 2007, introduces clearer thresholds for approvals. Under the policy, work variations of N10 billion and above will require approval from the Federal Executive Council, National Judicial Council or National Assembly Tenders Board, depending on the project category.
TMV further stated that variations ranging from N5 billion to below N10 billion would be handled by Ministerial Tenders Boards, while variations from N75 million to below N5 billion would be considered by Parastatal or Judicial Tenders Boards.
The group highlighted that the revised guidelines also provide comprehensive procedures for implementing contract variations and mandate the use of final project designs before execution. In addition, the policy stipulates that approval authority will now be determined by the augmentation or variation amount rather than the total revised contract cost.
It also emphasized that no variation or fluctuation claim can proceed to any approving authority without obtaining a BPP Certificate of No Objection, a provision it said would strengthen oversight and curb abuse within the procurement system.
Describing the new measures as timely and necessary, TMV said the policy would help plug loopholes in contract administration, restore discipline in public procurement processes and ensure greater value for public funds.
The group therefore applauded the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing the policy, noting that it reflected the government’s commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility and improved service delivery for Nigerians.
