FAIR COMPETITION AND PROCUREMENT EFFICIENCY IN THE RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between fair competition and procurement efficiency in 
Rivers State Government ministries. Fair competition was conceptualized as the independent 
variable, while value for money and public accountability served as measures of procurement 
efficiency. Two research questions guided the study, which adopted a cross-sectional survey 
design. The population comprised procurement officers across all 26 ministries in the Rivers 
State Government ministries. Given the manageable size of the population, a census approach 
was utilized. Instrument reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s Alpha, with all items 
scoring above 0.70. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and two 
hypotheses were tested using Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation at a 95% confidence level 
and a 0.05 significance threshold. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between 
fair competition and procurement efficiency within the ministries. The study concludes that 
promoting fair competition in public procurement processes enhances transparency, reduces 
costs, and improves value for money and public accountability. It is recommended that stringent 
procurement policies be implemented to encourage competitive tendering and foster efficient 
procurement practices across all ministries.