Reps Investigate Nigeria’s Public Private Partnerships, Concessions Since 1999

By Adedapo Adesanya

The House of Representatives is investigating and executing performance assessments of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and concession agreements in the country since 1999.

At a hearing of the Joint Committees on Public Assets and Special Duties on Thursday in Abuja, the Speaker of the House, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, said the objective was 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,” he said.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, Mr Ademorin 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.

“They promised not just roads, bridges, buildings, power, transportation, aviation, education, energy, mineral resources and solid minerals, but a framework for sustainable growth and public welfare.

“It is our responsibility, and indeed our mandate, to ascertain the extent to which these programmes have honoured their promises, followed due process, followed laid down terms of operation and charted a course for their optimisation.

“The deliberations today are a cornerstone of the democratic process, reflecting our collective commitment to ensuring that public assets and public-private partnerships operate within the frameworks of integrity, delivering value to every Nigerian.

“We are here to dissect complex agreements, to hear testimonies, to ask probing questions, and to demand detailed accounts,” he said.

However, following scanty submissions on concessions in the country by agencies of government at the hearing, the joint committee resolved to adjourn the hearing to a later date.

In his ruling, the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Mr Tukura Ibrahim, argued that ongoing concessions should be halted pending the outcome of the investigation.