President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new Debarment Policy aimed at sanctioning defaulting and non-performing contractors handling government projects across the country.

The policy is designed to strengthen accountability, improve project delivery, and ensure value for money in the execution of public contracts. Under the new framework, contractors who abandon projects, deliver substandard work, or consistently fail to meet agreed timelines risk being barred from participating in future government contracts.

According to officials, the debarment policy will apply across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and is expected to promote transparency, professionalism and discipline in public procurement processes.

The approval of the policy aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader reforms focused on enhancing governance, curbing waste, and accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure and public services.

Government sources noted that the policy will also protect public interest by ensuring that only credible and competent contractors are entrusted with national projects, while reinforcing confidence in the federal procurement system.