An Evaluation of the Adoption of Sustainable Procurement Practices in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria Chapter One Preamble of the Study

An Evaluation of the Adoption of Sustainable Procurement Practices in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria

Chapter One

Preamble of the Study

Current research on sustainable procurement in Nigeria reveals several notable gaps. Firstly, there is a significant lack of focused research on public-sector Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within Nigeria. Much of the existing literature emphasizes private-sector procurement or is concentrated in developed countries, leaving a gap in understanding the unique challenges and practices of Nigerian MDAs (Komolafe, 2022). This limited focus undermines efforts to tailor sustainable procurement strategies to the specific needs and conditions of Nigeria’s public sector. Additionally, there is a noticeable scarcity of longitudinal studies that track the long-term impacts of sustainable procurement practices. Most existing research provides a snapshot of current practices without examining how these practices evolve or their sustained effects over time (Alexander et al., 2022). This absence of long-term analysis limits the ability to understand and enhance the enduring effectiveness of sustainable procurement strategies.

Moreover, the field suffers from inadequate risk management models for sustainable procurement. Although many studies identify various risk factors associated with sustainable procurement, there is a notable lack of robust, practical models designed to effectively mitigate these risks (Ogunsanya et al., 2019). This gap highlights a need for comprehensive frameworks that can address and manage the complexities of risk in sustainable procurement initiatives. Furthermore, there is insufficient analysis of stakeholder engagement in the context of Nigeria’s sustainable procurement practices. Few studies delve deeply into the roles of key stakeholders, such as suppliers and policymakers, and their influence on sustainable procurement outcomes (Kolawole & Idris, 2020). This lack of detailed stakeholder analysis impedes efforts to develop inclusive and effective procurement strategies that fully engage all relevant parties and drive successful implementation.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

Conceptual Review

Sustainable Procurement (SP)

Sustainable procurement (SP) refers to the acquisition of goods and services in a manner that ensures environmental, social, and economic sustainability throughout their lifecycle. SP integrates considerations such as resource efficiency, environmental preservation, and social responsibility into procurement processes. It ensures that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, which aligns with the broader definition of sustainability (Elkington, 2020). In this context, procurement goes beyond just purchasing goods and services; it involves a commitment to sustainability at every stage of the supply chain.

The principles of SP revolve around the triple bottom line: environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Environmentally, SP aims to reduce waste, minimize resource consumption, and mitigate pollution, ensuring that the production and delivery of goods have the least environmental impact (Lemprière, 2020). Socially, SP fosters ethical sourcing, prioritizing suppliers that adhere to fair labour practices, human rights, and community development. Economically, SP aims for long-term cost efficiency by promoting investments in sustainable goods and services, which may have higher upfront costs but offer significant savings over time due to durability and reduced environmental impact (Seippel, 2020).

One of the key characteristics of SP is its holistic approach, ensuring that environmental and social considerations are embedded in the entire procurement process. This holistic view emphasizes not just the final product but the sourcing, production, and disposal processes. For example, organizations that adopt SP prioritize suppliers that reduce their carbon footprint, utilize recycled materials, or have energy-efficient production processes (Kannan, 2021). Moreover, SP encourages innovation, as businesses are driven to develop products and services that are both sustainable and meet consumer demands, thus fostering the growth of green technologies and practices.

Another critical aspect of SP is its emphasis on transparency and accountability within the supply chain. SP requires the assessment of suppliers’ sustainability practices, often through certifications, environmental impact assessments, and compliance with international sustainability standards (Alexander, Walker, & Naim, 2022). These measures ensure