ASSESSMENT OF BENUE STATE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND LOCAL FIRMS IN THE STATE, 2023-2025

Abstract This study examined the public procurement process in Benue State and its impact on local construction firms from 2023 to 2025. It pursued three specific objectives: to evaluate how public procurement practices influence the competitiveness of local construction companies; to assess the impact of procurement procedures on the timely execution and quality of construction projects by local firms; and to identify the challenges these firms face in complying with public procurement regulations. A descriptive research design was adopted, with data collected through questionnaires and secondary sources. Using purposive sampling, 150 respondents were selected for the study. The research was anchored on Richard Scott’s (2001) Institutional Theory. The findings reveal that the current public procurement process in Benue State does not favor local firms, primarily due to stringent requirements and criteria. Nevertheless, the procedures contribute to the timely and high-quality delivery of road projects, although the outcomes vary depending on government commitment and the expertise of the firms involved. The study also highlighted several barriers hindering local firms’ participation, including political interference, bureaucratic inefficiencies, limited technical capacity, and financial constraints. It is recommended that the procurement law be reviewed to better balance quality assurance with the promotion of local content development