The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has tasked the Ad-hoc Committee investigating the implementation of remittance of 5 per cent user charges for Road Maintenance under FERMA Act, 2007 to be thorough and ensure that stakeholders comply with the Act.

Speaking while declaring the hearing open at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, yesterday, Abbas informed that the Amended FERMA Act 2007 provides that 5 per cent user charge should be from petroleum products and diesel designated for road maintenance under the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

The Speaker, who was represented at the hearing by the Minority Leader, Hon Kingsley Chinda, equally charged stakeholders at the hearing to be free to make valid contributions that will help guide lawmakers in making laws.

In his welcome address, the Ad-hoc Committee Chairman, Hon. Francis Oghenero Waive, who doubled as the Chairman Rules and Business of the House, also explained the rationale for the investigation of the 5 per cent user charge for FERMA amendment Act, 2007, even as he pledged to invite all critical stakeholders for their contributions.

According to the Committee, the investigation was prompted by a motion from a fellow lawmaker who had earlier pushed for the motion on the floor of the House.

He, however, expressed concern that many agencies are failing to remit the 5 per cent user charges as mandated by the amended FERMA Act.

The lawmaker, while decrying the deplorable state of roads across the country, observed that funds are needed to maintain the nation’s deteriorating roads just like those overseas.

Waive also used the opportunity of the hearing to emphasise his committee’s readiness to take legislative action against non-compliant by agencies.

He, however, threatened to go the extra mile to ensure that all agencies who refused to adhere to the law on the remittance of the 5 per cent FERMA Act will face disciplinary measures.

Some stakeholders who spoke during the public hearing commended the Leadership of the House for organising the hearing informing that it’s very timely in order to provide solid recommendations for ensuring compliance with the law.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Mohammed Goronyo, emphasised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government’s commitment to improving the lives of citizens, including investments in road construction and maintenance.

The minister further maintained that the 5 per cent user charge was designed to generate approximately N880 billion every five years for nationwide road maintenance and management.

He, however, noted that the 2024 and 2025 budgets are grossly insufficient to maintain highways and state roads across the country.

 Highlighting the need for a proactive strategy and adequate funding through the 5 per cent user charges, he informed the necessity for effective road maintenance across Nigeria.

At the technical session, the chairman repeatedly informed stakeholders that their mandate is not to switch-hunt anybody or group of persons in the country.