Stakeholders urges improved transparency in PPP approval process

Stakeholders within Nigeria’s investment and project-development community have called for improved transparency and efficiency in the country’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approval process, citing concerns about administrative delays and procedural uncertainties. In a statement issued to highlight the challenges, the stakeholders said recent experiences reported by some project proponents suggest that aspects of the PPP approval […]

Stakeholders within Nigeria’s investment and project-development community have called for improved transparency and efficiency in the country’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approval process, citing concerns about administrative delays and procedural uncertainties.

In a statement issued to highlight the challenges, the stakeholders said recent experiences reported by some project proponents suggest that aspects of the PPP approval framework could benefit from further review and administrative improvements.

According to the statement, PPP frameworks are designed to stimulate infrastructure development, promote innovation, and attract private investment. Achieving these objectives, they noted, requires regulatory and coordinating institutions to operate with clarity, predictability, and efficiency.

However, some project developers have reportedly experienced delays in obtaining routine “No-Objection” approvals, which they say in certain cases extend for several months.

The stakeholders noted that such delays, if not addressed, could slow the implementation of infrastructure projects and discourage potential investors interested in participating in PPP initiatives.

They also referenced concerns raised by some project proponents regarding perceived inconsistencies in the processing of submissions, which they said can create uncertainty for developers planning long-term infrastructure investments.

The statement further indicated that some stakeholders believe stronger safeguards may be needed to ensure the protection of confidential project materials, including non-disclosure agreements and proprietary project concepts submitted during the PPP development process.

According to them, addressing these concerns would help reinforce investor confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a destination for responsible investment.

“To support a healthy and transparent PPP ecosystem, stakeholders are recommending several non-political measures aimed at strengthening administrative processes and improving efficiency,” the statement said.

Among the recommendations are an independent administrative review of existing operational procedures to identify the causes of delays, as well as reforms designed to improve workflow efficiency through clearer service timelines and the adoption of automated systems where feasible.

The stakeholders also called for enhanced internal oversight mechanisms to ensure confidentiality, fairness, and strict adherence to established PPP guidelines.

They added that stronger institutional safeguards would help ensure that project developers and investors can operate within a transparent and predictable regulatory environment.

Nigeria, they noted, stands to benefit significantly from well-structured PPP arrangements, particularly in mobilising private capital for critical infrastructure development.

“A transparent, predictable and investor-friendly regulatory environment is essential for unlocking private investment, accelerating infrastructure delivery, and supporting sustainable national development,” the statement said.

The stakeholders said their intervention was intended to contribute constructively to ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s PPP framework.