By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the implementation and remittance of the five percent user charge on petroleum products for road maintenance has inaugurated two committees.
The committees are mandated to resolve longstanding issues surrounding the collection and disbursement of the charge, which has remained largely non-operational despite being enshrined in law.
Speaking at the event yesterday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, Chairman of one of the committees, Francis Waive explained that the panels would examine the state of affairs before and after the passage of the Tax Act in order to resolve legal and operational conflicts with the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Act.
Under the existing law, 40 percent of the user charge proceeds are meant for FERMA, while 60 percent should be allocated to state road maintenance agencies.
The lawmaker, however, lamented that the five percent user charge, though legally mandated, had not been enforced effectively, as he outlined the committees terms of reference to include developing clear modalities and procedures for collection and disbursement, recommending guidelines for personnel management, establishing designated bank accounts for remittance and harmonising roles among relevant government agencies.
According to the chairman, “This is a national assignment, not a personal business.
“It is for our roads to be good as elsewhere. We can make the difference for our country, so please, take this serious. I trust you will work diligently without fear or favour.”
The newly inaugurated committees comprise representatives from key stakeholders in the petroleum and transport sectors, including FERMA, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Major and Independent Petroleum Marketers Associations, MEMAN, among others.
