This paper examines the legal framework for public procurement in Nigeria. Basically, the paper examines the applicable legislative framework to public procurement in Nigeria by looking at other statutes containing provisions that, though not specifically focused on public purchase, nevertheless very important to the way government goes about its fiduciary relationship and responsibility in public purchase and acquisition. Consequently, there has been a plethora of constitutional, statutory and administrative provisions, regulations and standards that must be adhered to in public procurement. Aside the above provisions, this paper notes that public procurement is not an item for legislation under the executive and concurrent lists. This paper relied on documentary evidence and hence scooped many secondary sources including research reports emanating from public procurement. More importantly, necessary recommendations are made. The paper concludes that the essence of enacting public procurement law is to ensure the establishment of a regulatory authority, responsible for harmonizing government policies on procurement in Nigeria.
Keywords: Public Procurement; Legal Framework; Nigeria; Regulatory Authority.