KOKUMO ENDURANCE AGBONMWANDOLOR

This study investigates the influence of public procurement practices and institutional quality on Nigeria’s economic development between 1981 and 2024. Given that public procurement constitutes a substantial portion of national expenditure, it plays a critical role in shaping infrastructure delivery, public service provision, and long-term development outcomes. The Public Procurement Act of 2007 introduced a regulatory framework aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and value for money; however, persistent challenges remain. Weak enforcement mechanisms, corruption, political interference, and limited institutional capacity continue to diminish the effectiveness of public spending. The research examines the connections between procurement performance, governance quality, and economic development by reviewing historical trends, policy reforms, and institutional behaviors across key public sectors. It traces the evolution from a largely unregulated and opaque procurement environment in the 1980s and 1990s to a more structured system following the establishment of the Bureau of Public Procurement. Despite these improvements, institutional weaknesses and governance gaps still compromise project execution, contribute to cost overruns, and slow national progress