Nigeria’s House of Representatives has directed federal government agencies to halt all concession processes until its ongoing investigation is concluded.
The Joint House Committee on Public Assets and Special Duties gave the directives during its inaugural investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the nation’s capital
While declaring the investigative hearing open, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuden said that the meeting marked a crucial milestone in the House’s dedication to appraise the efficacy of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programmes and Concession Agreements from 1999 till the present day.
The Speaker also said that the objective of the investigative hearing was to meticulously dissect the triumphs, challenges and overall impact of PPPs and Concession agreements on public infrastructure and services.
“While PPPs have indeed played a crucial role in propelling development, it is imperative that their effectiveness undergoes a comprehensive analysis. Therefore, this hearing presents a platform for transparent dialogue, insightful discussions, and collective efforts to rectify any shortcomings and build upon successes.
“As we set off on this journey of investigation and evaluation, we should remain mindful of the public interest we are duty-bound to serve. Your insights and expertise are vital in shaping recommendations that will steer the course of future policies and practices. Hence, I encourage active involvement, constructive discourse, and a mutual commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Together, let us ensure that the outcomes of this hearing not only provide a comprehensive understanding of past performances but also lay a solid foundation for more effective and equitable Public Private Partnerships in the future,” he added.
Chairman of the Committee, Kabir Tukura Ibrahim told agencies present at the meeting to suspend.
“I have seen a submission of NAPTIP is very skeletal, is not informative, it doesn’t carry what we required for us to work with. Please do a detailed report, let it encapsulate all of the necessary areas of the concession that you are going into.
“This should not be accepted it’s an insult to this committee to bring this submission before the House of Representatives. Please lets do better.”
In his welcome address, the co chairman of the committee, Ademure Kuye, said that the committee was not set up to witch hunt anyone but for the benefit of Nigerians.
A members of Committee, Saidu Abdullahi (APC, Niger) moved a motion, saying: “If we all agree that the concession process should be suspended pending the investigation or they should go ahead.
“We should put it to them. Let them know that it is a resolution by this c
committee that all other pending concession processes be suspended until after this committee has concluded its work.”
The agencies that appeared for the hearing include; Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
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