Winning a government contract in Nigeria is just the beginning the real work begins after your proposal is accepted. For many contractors, what separates success from scandal is a clear understanding of the entire contract lifecycle from tendering all the way to project completion and payment.
This guide walks you through the full journey of executing a government contract legally, efficiently, and profitably.
1. The Tendering Stage: Laying the Foundation
This is where it all begins.
Key Steps:
- Search for opportunities via official tender portals (BPP, state websites, newspapers).
- Obtain and study the bid documents carefully.
- Attend pre-bid conferences or site visits, if required.
- Prepare your documents: CAC, tax clearance, PENCOM, company profile, past performance, etc.
- Write and submit your proposal before the deadline, in the correct format (technical + financial).
Pro Tip: Always align your proposal with the tender’s evaluation criteria.
2. Bid Evaluation and Award
After submission, your proposal undergoes:
- Administrative review (compliance with submission guidelines)
- Technical evaluation (capacity, past experience, methodology)
- Financial evaluation (cost competitiveness, feasibility)
If successful:
- You receive a Letter of Award.
- You may be required to sign a Contract Agreement.
- A mobilization advance (typically 15-30%) may be released, upon provision of a performance bond or bank guarantee.
3. Project Kick-off and Mobilization
Now the real work begins.
- Mobilize personnel, materials, and logistics to the site.
- Schedule a kick off meeting with the supervising agency.
- Comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Keep detailed records of commencement dates, attendance, and activity logs.
Important: Don’t begin work without a formal greenlight (contract or mobilization payment).
4. Execution and Monitoring
Deliver according to the agreed scope of work, timeline, and specifications.
Key practices:
- Maintain daily site records and progress reports.
- Keep lines of communication open with the supervising officer.
- Request variation approvals in writing before deviating from scope.
- Ensure quality control through regular site supervision and testing (if applicable).
Document everything photos, milestones, approvals, delays, weather conditions, etc.
5. Interim Evaluations and Payments
For large projects, payments are made in stages based on deliverables.
- Submit interim valuation reports or invoices.
- Present evidence of work done (certified by supervising officers).
- Follow up for payment processing it may require internal memos, ministry approvals, or accountant-general sign off.
Tip: Be patient, but persistent. Government payments can take time build this into your cash flow plan.
6. Completion and Handover
Once the work is done:
- Request a final inspection from the supervising agency.
- Submit a completion report and relevant documentation.
- Conduct a formal handover with sign off from stakeholders.
- Obtain a Certificate of Completion or equivalent.
This document is crucial for:
- Final payment
- Retention release
- Future references for new bids
7. Retention Period and Warranty
Most contracts include a defects liability period (e.g., 6–12 months), during which you must fix any post completion issues at your cost.
After this period:
- You may request release of retention funds (typically 5–10% of contract value).
- Submit a warranty clearance certificate if applicable.
8. Post Contract Evaluation and Recordkeeping
Wrap up the project professionally:
- Archive all documents (contracts, receipts, photos, approvals).
- Request testimonials or performance letters from the client.
- Reflect on challenges, successes, and improvements for future bids.
Use this project as a portfolio reference in future tenders.
Final Thoughts
A successful government contract is not just about execution it’s about compliance, communication, and credibility every step of the way.
From tendering to handover, every document you submit, every report you write, and every delay you avoid tells the story of whether your business is trustworthy.
