Reps summon NNPC, NPA, NIMASA others over PPPs, concessions
The House of Representatives has summoned the Chief Executive Officers of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. and the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) over the management of public-private partnerships, PPPs, and concessions since 1999.
The House of Representatives joint committee on public assets and special duties summoned the CEO during an investigative hearing on PPPs and concessions in Abuja.
Also summoned are the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Others include the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), among others.
Rep. Ademorin Kuye, the lead chairman of the investigative hearing, said the invitation became necessary in view of the need to meticulously evaluate the performance of PPP programmes and concession agreements.
He added that this had been instrumental to the infrastructural landscape of Nigeria since 1999.
Kuye said that “PPP initiatives and concession agreements were envisioned as beacons of innovation and efficiency, adding that they were aimed at propelling Nigeria to new heights of development for global competitiveness.
According to him, they promised not just roads, bridges, buildings, power, transportation, aviation, resources,, and solid minerals, but education, energy, and a and a mineral framework for sustainable growth and public welfare.
”It is our responsibility and mandate to ascertain the extent to which they have honoured their promises, followed due process, laid down terms of operation,, and charteded a course for their optimisation,” he said.
He restated the the government commitment to ensure that public assets and public-private partnerships operate within the frameworks of integrity and deliver value to every Nigerian.
He said, “We are not here to cast aspirations but to foster a climate of improvement.”
According to him, the investigation will cover the gamut of sectors impacted by these PPPs, from the bustling transport hubs to the power plants, oil and gas, aviation, agriculture, etc.
Supreme News reports that the moves to investigate PPPs were a sequel to the House resolution in February.
