How do you win supply and service contracts in Nigeria?
Most public contracts in Nigeria are not big construction jobs. They are supplies (office equipment, drugs, vehicles, furniture, fuel) and services (cleaning, security, catering, printing, maintenance, consultancy). These are often the most realistic first contracts for a small business.
How the value decides the method
Under the Public Procurement Act 2007, federal agencies buy by open competitive bidding unless the Act allows another method, and BPP sets the value thresholds that decide which method applies. Since 15 May 2025, national competitive bidding covers goods from ₦30 million; smaller purchases use simpler methods set by BPP's thresholds, so agencies buy many everyday supplies and services below that level. Check the thresholds that apply to the agency you're selling to.
Local preference rules
Two federal policies favour Nigerian suppliers:
- Executive Order 003 (2017) requires federal agencies to give preference to local manufacturers and service providers, and to spend at least 40% of their budgets for eight listed categories, including construction materials and ICT, on local goods and providers (the Order).
- The Nigeria First policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council on 5 May 2025, requires agencies to get a written waiver from BPP before buying foreign goods that are available locally, and has BPP keep a database of Nigerian suppliers (BusinessDay).
If you make or supply locally, say so clearly in your bid, with evidence.
What buyers check
Even small tenders ask for company documents. A 2024 PenCom tender, for example, asked for CAC documents, three years' tax clearance, pension, ITF and NSITF compliance, the BPP registration report and audited accounts. For supplies, expect to show you can deliver: manufacturer authorisations for branded goods, delivery timelines and after-sales support. For services, expect staff lists, similar past contracts and references.
Donor and NGO buyers
UN agencies and NGOs buy many supplies and services through requests for quotation. Registering on the UN Global Marketplace is free. See NGO and donor tenders.
How TendaRadar helps
TendaRadar sorts tenders into trades such as printing and supplies, cleaning, security, catering, ICT and medical. Pick the ones you supply and the states you deliver to, and new tenders arrive on WhatsApp.
Official sources
- Public Procurement Act 2007, full text (copy published by NERC)
- BPP's revised procurement thresholds, May 2025 (Federal Ministry of Information)
- Executive Order 003 on support for local content in public procurement (2017)
- FEC approves the Nigeria First policy (BusinessDay, May 2025)
- Example federal invitation to tender: PenCom, 2024
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change, and each tender's own advert and bidding documents set its requirements: always read them, and check with the buyer or a professional if you're unsure.