The joint House of Representatives Committees on Public Assets and Special Duties has directed federal government agencies to suspend all concession processes of assets and properties pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into the propriety of the matter.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Saidu Abdullahi (APC, Niger) at the start of the committee proceedings held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Among the agencies that appeared were the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) did not tender the full documents requested by the panel.
The committee jointly led by Messrs Ademorin Kuye and Kabir Tukura gave the directives during its inaugural investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Joint chairman of the committee, Mr Kabir Tukura justified the decision noting that it was based on the non availability of relevant details in documents presented by NEMSA.
“We should put it to them. Let them know that it is a resolution by this committee that all other pending concession processes be suspended until after this committee has concluded its work, he noted.
“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.”
While declaring the investigative hearing open, Speaker Abbas Tajuden said the exercise 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.
Represented by his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the speaker said the objective of the investigative hearing is explicit – to meticulously dissect the triumphs, challenges, and overall impact of PPPs and Concession agreements on our 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.”
