Prevalence of Corruption Forms in Public Building Projects

Abstract

Public building projects are overwhelmed by different forms of corruption. However, little or no empirical study assessed the prevalence of corruption forms in public building projects. This study, assessed the prevalence of corruption forms in public building projects and the stages mostly associated with corruption. The study adopted a quantitative research approach. 68 questionnaires were distributed to contracting and consulting organisations who have handled public construction projects using purposive sampling technique. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics. Mann-Whitney U (MWU) test was also used to check the significance of the difference in mean scores ratings of the stakeholders' groups. The study found 'Favouritism/Patronage/Nepotism', 'Bribery', and 'Kickbacks to be the top corruption forms prevalent within the public building projects. Stakeholders' ratings showed that 'tendering and bid evaluation' and 'contract award' stages were mostly associated with corruption. The Mann-Whitney U (MWU) test result further showed no significant difference in the stakeholders' ratings of the prevalence of corruption forms and the stages of procurement mostly affected. The study concludes that corruption forms are prevalent in public building projects with 'tendering and bid evaluation' stage being the most vulnerable. It is recommended that public procurement officers should strive to ensure compliance with the basic principles of public procurement as enshrined in the Nigerian public procurement act to minimise occurrences of corrupt practices, thus, ensuring transparent, fair and accountable public building projects procurement.