Nigerians have been called upon to embrace the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative of the Federal Government to address the country’s physical infrastructure deficit.
This call was made by the Acting Director General of the Infrastructure concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Michael Ohiani, when he paid a courtesy call to the management of Voice of Nigeria in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
According to Ohiani, ’’ We are here to let Nigerians know the importance of PPP, with the dwindling revenue, the alternative way to bring infrastructure to our people is through PPP”.
He added “PPP offers Nigerians a dependable and sustainable funding option, increased accountability, accelerated infrastructure provision and faster implementation of projects. Nigerians huge infrastructure deficit is an opportunity to partner on a win-win basis with the private sector in virtually all economic and social infrastructures’’.
Also speaking, the acting head of institute at the ICRC Dr anonze Emmanuel sought Voice of Nigeria’s help in educating the populace on the activities of the organisation.
He said ‘’ we do a lot but we don’t get the necessary publicity and sometimes when something happens, they don’t report the way it is. We can do capacity building for them to understand what ppp is all about and what ICRC also does so we solicit that collaboration with you’’.
Responding, the DG voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechuckwu commended the ICRC on its active role in ensuring accountability to the people in infrastructure development.
’’Throughout history, communities have attachment to whatever is called their own, and if you want to detach it from the community, the best you can do is what you people are doing, Due Process. So that even in years to come someone says the concession wasn’t properly done, you’ll have files to back it up. ICRC has set a good standard”.
He assured the ICRC boss on VON’s commitment in the dissemination of information on the activities of the organisation.
The ICRC which was established to regulate PPP endeavours of the federal government is aimed at addressing Nigeria’s physical infrastructure deficit.
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