News
Private sector demands end to National Assembly summons, threats
Tuesday, the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria lamented the incessant invitations and summons of its member companies by the National Assembly through its various ad-hoc committees investigating alleged fraudulent acts with the National Housing Fund and other probes.
The PUNCH reports that the national assembly had set up a panel to probe the non-remittance and utilization of the housing fund to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Compliance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government and Corporate Bodies with the Industrial Training Fund Act amongst others.
The Organized Private Sector (OPS), comprising various business associations in Nigeria, expressed deep concern over the continuous summoning and threats of arrest faced by their members from the National Assembly committees and ad-hoc committees. They described this overbearing attitude as contributing to an “inhospitable business environment,” which has forced many companies to accelerate their plans to exit Nigeria.
The OPS warned that if these actions by the National Assembly are not stopped, they could severely impact businesses’ financial status and growth, potentially resulting in the loss of millions of jobs in the coming months. Many companies are reportedly considering relocating to neighboring countries to escape their operations’ ongoing threats and disruptions.
The OPS pointed out that these threats, often based on sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, have not only hindered business growth but have also led to negative publicity and significant financial losses for many companies.
The Director-General of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, delivered this message on behalf of the OPS during a press briefing.
The MAN DG said, “Recently, several letters were received by our member companies from the Ad-hoc Committee on Non-Remittance to the National Housing Fund and Utilisation of the Fund from 2011 to Date, and the Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the Compliance of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government and Corporate Bodies with the Industrial Training Fund Act, amongst other Committees.
The OPS acknowledges the National Assembly’s efforts in carrying out oversight functions and investigations of government ministries, departments, and agencies. However, they emphasize that sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, which the National Assembly relies on, do not apply to private sector businesses. They argue that the threats and summonses by National Assembly committees could lead to the closure of companies, job losses, reduced tax revenue for the government, increased unrest, and insecurity in the country.
The OPS also raises concerns about the duplication of regulatory functions, with the National Assembly taking on roles and responsibilities that belong to government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as the executive branch of government.
In light of these issues, the OPS requests that the National Assembly wait for the Supreme Court’s decision in a relevant case, as this decision may clarify the authority of the National Assembly to request information and issue summons to private companies under sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. They urge the National Assembly to focus on strengthening executive agencies’ capacity to perform their functions effectively and refrain from actions that burden or disrupt law-abiding businesses.
The OPS also highlights that these invitations, summonses, and threats could discourage foreign direct investment in Nigeria and lead to more businesses relocating out of the country due to an unfavorable business environment.
“We crave the support and partnership of the National Assembly to enable the private sector to make its own contribution to this national agenda,” he stated.
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
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