South East Development Commission (SEDC)

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to establish transparent, fair, competitive, and accountable procurement practices for the acquisition of goods, works, and services by the South East Development Commission.

SEDC is committed to ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices.

2. Guiding Principles

All procurement activities shall be guided by the following principles:

• Transparency;
• Fair competition;
• Value for money;
• Accountability;
• Integrity and ethical conduct;
• Equal opportunity for qualified suppliers;
• Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

3. Scope

This Policy applies to all procurement activities undertaken by SEDC, including:

• Goods and supplies;
• Professional services;
• Consultancy services;
• Construction and infrastructure projects;
• Information technology solutions;
• Maintenance and operational services.

4. Procurement Methods

Depending on the value and nature of the requirement, SEDC may use:

Open Competitive Tendering

The preferred procurement method where eligible vendors are invited to submit bids.

Restricted Tendering

Used where specialized expertise or limited supplier availability exists.

Request for Quotations

Used for lower-value procurements where multiple quotations can be obtained.

Direct Procurement

Permitted only in exceptional circumstances, including emergencies, sole-source requirements, or situations approved by the appropriate authority.

5. Vendor Eligibility

Vendors may be required to provide:

• Evidence of legal registration;
• Tax compliance documentation;
• Relevant certifications and licenses;
• Financial capability information;
• References and prior experience.

SEDC reserves the right to conduct due diligence on all prospective suppliers.

6. Evaluation and Award

Procurement decisions shall be based on objective criteria, including:

• Technical capability;
• Relevant experience;
• Cost competitiveness;
• Financial capacity;
• Compliance with tender requirements;
• Delivery capability.

Contracts shall be awarded to the bidder that offers the best overall value while meeting all requirements.

7. Conflicts of Interest

Employees, consultants, contractors, and evaluation committee members shall disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest.

Individuals with conflicts may be excluded from procurement-related decisions.

8. Anti-Corruption and Ethical Conduct

SEDC maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward:

• Bribery;
• Fraud;
• Collusion;
• Bid manipulation;
• Undue influence;
• Misrepresentation.

Any vendor or individual found engaging in unethical conduct may be disqualified, sanctioned, or referred to the appropriate authorities.

9. Record Keeping

SEDC shall maintain complete records of procurement activities to support transparency, accountability, audit requirements, and regulatory compliance.

10. Complaints and Appeals

Suppliers may submit complaints regarding procurement processes through designated channels.

SEDC shall review complaints fairly and provide responses within a reasonable timeframe.

11. Policy Review

This Policy may be reviewed periodically to ensure continued effectiveness and compliance with applicable laws and organizational requirements.

12. Contact Information

For procurement enquiries, please contact:

South East Development CommissionEmail: info@sedc.gov.ng Phone: +2348160602690Website: www.sedc.gov.ng