Reps probe MDAs’ utilisation of 5% user charge for road maintenance

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the failure of relevant agencies of government to enforce the 5 percent user charge on pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) and remittance of the fund to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Speaker Abbas who expressed the displeasure in Abuja during the flag-off of investigation into the utilisation of the 5 percent user charge on premium motor spirit (PMS) for road maintenance, assured that the Ad-hoc Committee chaired by Hon. Francis Waive was mandated to investigate the circumstances for the failure of the relevant agencies of government to comply with the section of the Act.

He observed that the House “had expressed concern over the failure of relevant agencies of government to enforce the statutory charge and remittance of the fund to FERMA and adopted the motion which resulted in the constitution of this ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances for the failure of the relevant agencies of government to comply with the section of the Act.

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“It is important to recall that Section 14(1)(h) of the FERMA Amendment Act 2007 stipulates that 5% of the pump price of petrol and diesel should be allocated to FERMA and the State Maintenance Agencies in the proportion of 40% and 60% respectively.

“However, over the years, this section of the Act has not been complied with despite different attempts by the National Assembly through their oversight activities to compel compliance. This has somewhat affected the operations of the beneficiary agencies of government and by extension the Nigerian people who ply public roads.

“As Representatives of the people, we owe Nigerians the obligation by sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the status of the 5% user charge to determine the extent of the violation of the law and the amount of money unremitted and those responsible for the non-implementation.

“The assignment for this Committee is clear: Nigeria now looks up to you to ask the relevant questions and scan through the necessary documents to establish how much has accrued from the collection of the 5% user charge from the date of commencement of the law till the time of this investigation and how much standing to the benefit of FERMA and similar agencies at the state level.

“This investigative hearing should also be able to make strong recommendations on how to forestall further abuse of the law and streamline the remittance processes for ease of access to the funds by the relevant government agencies.

“I charge you to be diligent in this call to duty to help point the way forward for Nigeria. I urge you to avoid sentiments in your work and also avoid cases that may cause the committee to be accused of a lack of fair hearing and witch-hunt.”

In his address, Chairman, Ad-hoc Committee investigating the 5 percent user charge on petrol for road maintenance, Hon. Francis Waive observed that the National Assembly has taken several legislative measures to ensure compliance with the statutory provisions governing this charge.

“Unfortunately, all such efforts have been met with persistent non-compliance, lack of transparency, and alleged mismanagement of funds that are crucial for road maintenance.

“We, as representatives of the people, have a constitutional duty to ensure that every revenue stream meant for national development serves its rightful purpose. This 5% user charge on petrol was instituted with the clear intent of providing sustainable funding for road maintenance across Nigeria.

“However, the dismal state of our road infrastructure raises serious concerns about whether these funds have been properly collected, managed, and utilised.

“Let it be clear that this investigation is not a witch-hunt but a constitutional responsibility bestowed upon the House of Representatives. Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution empowers us to conduct investigations into public funds and expose any corruption, inefficiency, or waste within public institutions.

“This Committee will ensure that no stone is left unturned in uncovering any irregularities related to the 5% user charge. In the course of our investigation, we will engage all relevant stakeholders, including government agencies responsible for the collection and disbursement of these funds, independent auditors, civil society organizations, and industry experts.

“We will demand full disclosure and accountability from the relevant institutions, and where necessary, recommend legislative and administrative actions to correct any identified anomalies.

“To the Nigerian people, we assure you that this House will not waver in its duty to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance. We will carry out our assignment with the utmost diligence and in the best interest of our great nation.”