By NAN
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Accountability Lab, has introduced a framework tagged, “Ethics 1st” to promote accountability and ethical behaviour in government procurement processes.
Its Country Director, Mr Odeh Friday, said at a Media Roundtable in Abuja on Thursday, that the tool would help to combat corruption and promote ethical behaviour in the procurement process.
Friday said that the framework targeted mainly businesses who bid for government contracts in the procurement space.
“Government procurement is one of the places where the highest corruption happens in Nigeria.
“Basically, we are seeking and asking the government to adopt Ethics 1st for every business they contract or engage with.
“There are abandoned projects, collapsed buildings and loss of government funds and Nigerian citizens, who are the end users, are the ones largely affected.
“This is why Ethics 1st should be adopted by governments to see that every service is held to the highest ethical standard of businesses and accountability,” Friday said.
He said that the framework was very critical for vendors and contractors involved in the government procurement process, adding that it would promote fairness and encourage competition.
He added that it provides a clear guideline for ethical behaviour in procurement processes and will strengthen accountability, transparency, fairness, and integrity.
“By adhering to ethical principles, vendors and contractors can improve their reputation and enhance their chances of winning future contracts,” he said.
The country director added that by following the guidelines of Ethics 1st, vendors and contractors could reduce their exposure to liabilities.
According to him, those who follow ethical guidelines are more likely to gain the trust of procurement and secure future business opportunities. (NAN)