Reps Probes Performance of Public-Private Partnerships in Nigeria
The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the management of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and concessions in the country since 1999. As part of this investigation, the House Committee on Public Assets and Special Duties has summoned the CEOs of key government agencies involved in PPPs, including:
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
Ministry of Agriculture
Federal Housing Authority (FHA)
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
Additionally, representatives from 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) are also invited to appear before the committee.
According to the lead chairman of the investigation, Rep. Ademorin Kuye, this probe aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PPPs and concessions in contributing to Nigeria’s infrastructure development since 1999. These initiatives were envisioned as drivers of innovation and efficiency, promising advancements in various sectors like:
Roads and bridges
Buildings
Power generation and transmission
Transportation
Aviation
Resource management
Education
Energy
The committee seeks to assess whether these expectations have been met, focusing on:
Adherence to due process in agreements
Compliance with established operational terms
Optimization of projects for maximum benefit
Rep. Kuye emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in public-private partnerships. He stated that the investigation is not intended to criticize but rather to “foster a climate of improvement” and ensure that these partnerships deliver value to the Nigerian people.
This investigation signifies the House of Representatives’ interest in ensuring effective utilization of PPPs and concessions, aiming for projects that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development and public well-being.
