REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT)
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE ENGAGEMENT OF A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP) CONSULTANT TO SUPPORT THE SPECIAL AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING ZONES (SAPZ) PROGRAM PHASES 1 AND 2.
SECTOR: AGRICULTURE
LOAN NO: 2000200005159/5050200001351
PROJECT ID NO: P-NG-AAA-002
1. This request for expression of interest follows the General Procurement Notice (GPN) for this project that appeared in UNDB online on 17th April, 2023 and on the African Development Bank Group’s Internet Website.
2. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has received financing from the African Development Bank towards the cost of the SPECIAL AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING ZONES (SAPZ) Program Phase 1, being implemented in the five (5) participating States of Kaduna, Oyo, Cross River, Imo and Ogun and intends to apply part of the agreed amount of the loan to payments under the contract for the engagement of a PPP Consultant to support SAPZ Program Phases 1 and 2.
3. The scope of services include:
A. Review and Assessment
i. Review Reports and Submissions from appointed Transaction Advisors (TAs).
ii. Analyze and critique all submissions coming in from the appointed Transaction Advisors for each participating state.
iii. Monitor and coordinate compliance with the Transaction Advisors.
iv. Review of Existing SAPZ Documentation:
– Analyze SAPZ program documents, including the Project Appraisal Document, feasibility studies, technical reports, and regulatory frameworks.
B. Infrastructure Needs Assessment:
– Assess the infrastructure requirements (on-site and off-site) for Alls and ATCs in each participating state, considering each zone’s unique value chain focus and regional dynamics.
C. Market Engagement and Feasibility Analysis:
– Conduct market engagement to identify potential private sector partners and assess their requirements, market interest, and expectations for PPP investments in the SAPZ program.
– Conduct a feasibility analysis of the proposed infrastructure and PPP structures, identifying commercial, technical, and financial viability gaps and opportunities.
D. Development of PPP Framework and Models
– PPP Framework Development:
– Develop a robust PPP framework and governance structure for the SAPZ program phase 1 and 2 including SPVs arrangement, ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s regulatory requirements and alignment with AfDB, IFAD, and IsDB standards for phase 1 and 2 needs.
– PPP Model Structuring:
– Propose PPP models (e.g., Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Lease-Develop-Operate (LDO), Design-Build-Finance-Operate (DBFO), etc.) tailored to specific SAPZ infrastructure needs and objectives.
– Support in designing Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for project delivery, outlining the roles and responsibilities of each entity involved (government, private sector, investors, etc.).
E. Procurement Support
– Procurement Strategy Development:
– Develop a comprehensive procurement strategy for engaging private partners, including selection criteria, evaluation processes, and guidelines for transparent, competitive bidding.
– Preparation of Bidding Documents:
– Assist in drafting and reviewing bidding documents, including Request for Proposal (RFP), contract templates, and bid evaluation criteria.
– Bid Evaluation and Contract Negotiation Support:
– Provide technical support during bid evaluation and contract negotiation, ensuring alignment with PPP objectives and optimal risk allocation.
F. Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement
– Capacity Building for Key Stakeholders:
– Design and deliver targeted training sessions for SAPZ stakeholders, including the National Coordination Office (NCO), State Program Implementation Units (SPIUs), FMAFS, and other relevant MDAs, to enhance their capacity in PPP project management, procurement, and contract negotiation.
– Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:
– Facilitate stakeholder engagement sessions to foster collaboration among SAPZ stakeholders, private sector partners, and financing institutions.
– Support the establishment of a monitoring and reporting mechanism for efficient coordination and progress tracking of PPP initiatives.
– Facilitate and manage partnership and collaboration of SAPZ with potential stakeholders.
4. The assignment has the following expected deliverables:
a. Inception Report: Detailed work plan and approach for executing the consultancy within two weeks of the contract start date.
b. Infrastructure Needs Assessment Report: Documenting the infrastructure requirements, key risks, and financial and commercial feasibility.
c. PPP Framework and Governance Structure Report: Comprehensive PPP framework document, including proposed governance structure, legal, and operational frameworks for both phase 1 and 2.
d. PPP Model Structuring Report: Tailored PPP models and proposed structures for SAPZ implementation, including SPV design and roles for phase 2.
e. Procurement Documents and Guidelines: RFP, bid evaluation criteria, and contract templates in line with international best practices and Nigerian PPP regulations.
f. Bid Evaluation and Negotiation Report: Summary of evaluation results and recommendations from the contract negotiation process.
g. Capacity Building Report: Training materials, feedback, and recommendations from capacity-building workshops.
h. Number of MOUs/MOAs signed with potential partners and collaborating institutions.
i. Final Report: Summarizing all consultancy activities, achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for future PPP engagements.
More details on the assignment can be found in the Terms of Reference which can be uploaded from the SAPZ website: www.sapz.gov.ng
5. National Coordinating Office (NCO) of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program now invites eligible individual consultant to submit their Resumes, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, a written technical proposal (maximum 2 pages) and a financial proposal. The Individual Consultant’s experience and qualifications should meet, at a minimum, the following criteria:
– Educational Background: Advanced degree in Project Finance, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field.
– Relevant Certifications: Certification in PPP, Project Finance, or Infrastructure Development (e.g., PPP Certification Program).
– Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in PPP projects, with specific experience in structuring, negotiating, and implementing PPPs in infrastructure and/or agriculture sectors.
– Sectoral Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of Nigeria’s agricultural and infrastructure development sectors, including an understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks for PPPs.
– Analytical and Negotiation Skills: Strong analytical skills, experience in financial modeling, and proven track record in complex contract negotiations.
– Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working with government agencies, private investors, and multilateral organizations, especially in multi-stakeholder projects.
6. The estimated duration of the assignment is twelve (12) months with the possibility of extension based on program needs, satisfactory performance and conduct. The estimated starting date is July, 2025.
7. Eligibility criteria, establishment of the shortlist and selection procedure shall be in accordance with the Procurement Policy for the Bank Group Funded operation (October 2015), which is available on the Banks website at http://www.afdb.org/en/projectsandoperations/procedures/new-procedure-policy.
8. The proposals to be submitted by the consultants will be evaluated on the basis of the following technical criteria:
a. Appropriate skills and qualifications (academic record and general work experience)
b. Quality of the proposed methodology and workplan
c. Technical Competency and Experience in undertaking similar assignment in the agricultural sector
d. Similar Experience working with DFIs in the region
e. Communication skills in English
Total points: 100
Only Individual Consultants scoring a mark of 75 points or more will be considered for the assignment. The Consultant scoring the highest will be selected provided that the financial offer is within the limits of the available budget.
9. Interested Individual Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during the office hours of 09:00 am and 04:00 pm (Local time; Mondays–Fridays).
10. Expression of Interest must be delivered to the address below in person not later than 30th June, 2025 at 12:00 noon local time and mention “Engagement of a PPP Consultant for SAPZ Program Phases 1 and 2”. Late submissions will NOT be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Signed
Dr. Kabir Yusuf
National Program Coordinator, SAPZ
National Co-ordination Office (NCO)
#3 Aguleri Street, off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja,
admin@sapz.gov.ng; +234 8168088308, +2348035949354