The Nigerian government has intensified efforts to reduce contractual disputes in infrastructure projects across the country amid the country’s $2.3 trillion infrastructure deficits.
This comes as the federal government engages with key stakeholders on contractual obligations between public-owned entities and private establishments.
Speaking at an event in Abuja on Tuesday, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, said the complexities associated with long-term public-private partnership infrastructure contracts in Nigeria often expose the country to significant risks and liabilities.
She explained that the introduction of the Model PPP Agreement is aimed at shielding Nigeria from predatory litigation arising from poorly structured contracts.
According to Jedy-Agba, the new government model represents a collective commitment to promoting efficient governance, sustainable development, and economic prosperity.
“This has been a journey of collaboration, diligence, and shared purpose. We’ve had a series of engagements, retreats, and meetings where legal experts from across the country gathered to review and refine the model agreement. These engagements have laid the foundation for clearer, stronger, and more effective PPP agreements,” she said.
She noted that the framework would improve transparency, accountability, value for money, and investor confidence while ensuring adequate protection of public interest.
Jedy-Agba stressed that the Ministry of Justice remains central to safeguarding government interests in long-term infrastructure transactions.
“The complexities of long-term PPP infrastructure contracts naturally introduce significant risks and liabilities. This is where the Ministry of Justice plays a critical, non-negotiable role in mitigating risks, scrutinising indemnity clauses,
