Reps inaugurate committee to probe remittance, utilisation of 5% petrol user charge

The house of representatives has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to investigate the remittance, utilisation, and accountability of the 5 percent user charge on petrol and diesel, designated for road maintenance across Nigeria.

At the committee’s inauguration on Wednesday at the national assembly, Francis Waive, member of the house, underscored the urgency of the probe, citing years of non-compliance, lack of transparency, and allegations of funds mismanagement.

“The establishment of this committee is not only timely but also necessary. Over the years, 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,” Waive said.

He lamented the poor state of road infrastructure despite the charge, which was intended to provide sustainable funding for maintenance, assuring that the investigation would ensure full accountability.

“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,” he added.

As part of the probe, the committee will engage relevant government agencies, independent auditors, civil society organisations, and industry experts to ensure full disclosure and accountability.

Waive reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to executing its assignment diligently and thanked Abbas Tajudeen, speaker of the house, for supporting its establishment.

‘COMPLIANCE REMAINS ELUSIVE DESPITE OVERSIGHT EFFORTS’

Also speaking, Tajudeen expressed concerns over the consistent failure to remit the statutory charge, which has adversely affected road maintenance nationwide.

He said the committee was constituted following a motion adopted on March 19, which exposed government agencies’ failure to enforce and remit the funds as required by law.

“Section 14(1)(h) of the FERMA Amendment Act 2007 stipulates that 5 percent of the pump price of petrol and diesel should be allocated to FERMA and State Maintenance Agencies in the proportion of 40% and 60%, respectively,” the speaker said.

“However, despite repeated oversight efforts by the National Assembly, compliance has remained elusive.”

Tajudeen said the investigation would determine the extent of violations, identify those responsible, and quantify unremitted funds since the law came into effect.

The speaker urged the committee to conduct a thorough and unbiased inquiry and provide strong recommendations to prevent further violations.

“This investigative hearing should make strong recommendations on how to prevent further violations and streamline the remittance process to ensure that funds are accessible to the appropriate government agencies,” he said.

The speaker assured the committee of the house leadership’s full support and expressed confidence in its ability to deliver a comprehensive report that would inform future legislative action.