By Nafisat Makinde
The Ad-hoc Committee on the Need to Investigate the Implementation and Remittance of the 5% User Charge on Petroleum Products and Diesel convened an investigative hearing to examine the status of implementation, compliance by relevant stakeholders, and the current remittance structure of the statutory user charge provided under Section 14(1)(a) of the FERMA Act, 2007.
Hon. Francis E. Waive, Chairman, Ad Hoc Committee, on Monday, welcomed distinguished stakeholders and expressed appreciation to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives for his leadership and support. “Let me begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives for graciously accepting to declare this hearing open, and for the leadership and support he continues to provide in the exercise of our oversight mandate.”
The Committee’s task is both urgent and vital, as the 5% user charge on petrol and diesel was designed to ensure routine maintenance and rehabilitation of federal roads across the country. However, concerns and questions surround the actual implementation of this provision. In his words “Reports and public complaints suggest that despite the continued sale of petroleum products nationwide, the user charge is either not being properly deducted, not remitted in full, or not transparently accounted for in line with the intent of the law.”
The Committee will investigate the roles of key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and others. “Today’s hearing marks a significant milestone in our inquiry. It is an opportunity for all stakeholders to provide clarifications, submit documents, and help this Committee establish the true status of the user charge, the volume of funds collected and remitted, and the extent to which these funds have been utilized for their intended purpose,” he stated.
The Chairman assured stakeholders of a fair, objective, and transparent process, emphasizing that the goal is to ensure accountability and compliance with statutory obligations. “Our goal is not to witch-hunt, but to ensure accountability, compliance with statutory obligations, and ultimately to ensure that Nigerian roads benefit from the funding mechanism clearly provided for in law.”
The investigation aims to contribute to a more functional road infrastructure network across Nigeria, critical for economic growth, national integration, and public safety. Hon. Francis E. Waive urged stakeholders to approach the process with openness, professionalism, and a sense of patriotic responsibility.
