Peter Jatau, Abuja, Nigeria – The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has launched an ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged non-remittance of the 5% user charges on petroleum products and diesel, a crucial funding mechanism for Nigeria’s road maintenance under the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Amendments Act of 2007.
The investigation, initiated by a motion raised on the floor of the House on March 19, 2025, comes amid growing concerns over the nation’s deteriorating road network, which lawmakers say has led to numerous accidents and fatalities.
At the inauguration of the committee, chaired by Hon. Francis Oghenero Waive, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, the Speaker expressed deep concern over reports that several agencies have failed to remit the 5% user charges as mandated by law.
Hon. Waive underscored the critical nature of the investigation, stating that the non-remittance of funds has crippled FERMA’s ability to maintain the nation’s highways, putting lives and the economy at risk. He warned that the House will not hesitate to take action against non-compliant agencies, stressing the need for full adherence to the law.
Representing Speaker Abbas, the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, officially declared the public hearing open, reiterating the importance of a thorough probe into the matter. He assured that the National Assembly would hold erring agencies accountable, with appropriate legislative actions to follow.
“The House must act decisively to ensure that funds meant for road maintenance are fully remitted,” Hon. Chinda said. “This investigation must produce actionable recommendations to guarantee compliance and restore the integrity of our road infrastructure.”
In a goodwill message, the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Mohammed Goronyo, emphasized the federal government’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians through investment in road infrastructure. He explained that the 5% user charges are projected to generate about ₦880 billion over five years—funds critical to the effective maintenance of roads nationwide.
However, Hon. Goronyo lamented that the current 2024 and 2025 budgets are inadequate to sustain highway and state road maintenance, stressing that the proper remittance of the 5% user charges is essential for the success of road projects across the country.
The committee’s investigation is expected to unearth the reasons behind the non-compliance and recommend measures to ensure full remittance of the charges, with the ultimate goal of improving road safety and infrastructure in Nigeria.
