The House of Representatives Committee on Works has pledged to diligently oversee the Federal Ministry of Works and its parastatals to ensure the efficient utilization of funds allocated for road construction and rehabilitation in Nigeria. Hon Akin Alabi, Chairman of the Committee, made this commitment during the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja. The goal is to bring about a tangible transformation in the country’s road infrastructure through effective oversight.
Promoting Accountability and Transparency
Hon Akin Alabi highlighted the authority vested in the House Committee by Order 8 (B) Rule 109 of the House Rules to oversee the Ministry of Works and its affiliated agencies. This responsibility includes ensuring that funds allocated for road construction and rehabilitation are utilized judiciously, with visible results. As a parliament of the people, the committee acknowledges the pressing need to intervene and alleviate the sufferings caused by poor road conditions.
In pursuit of this objective, Hon Alabi emphasized the committee’s commitment to establishing legislation, policies, and interventions that will advance the state of Nigeria’s road infrastructure. He noted that on a daily basis, the committee receives several referrals from members drawing attention to the dire conditions of road infrastructure in their respective constituencies. It is clear that urgent action is required to address the highly deplorable state of the country’s roads.
By prioritizing oversight and transparency, the committee aims to collaborate with media partners, stakeholders, and civil society organizations. They seek to bring about transparency at every stage of the infrastructure development process – from budgeting and procurement to construction and project delivery. Accountable use of funds and regular progress reports will be integral to this transformative approach.
Considering Alternatives for Road Construction
Hon Alabi also expressed the committee’s openness to exploring alternatives to the traditional use of asphalt for road construction. He suggested that the utilization of concrete, instead of asphalt, could be considered as a means to improve the durability and longevity of road infrastructure in Nigeria. This strategic shift would contribute to the committee’s proactive efforts to address the challenges facing the road sector.
He further emphasized the need for the committee to review past initiatives, policies, and interventions by the previous government in the road infrastructure sector. By critically assessing the workability and effectiveness of these strategies, the committee can determine the most suitable measures to address the prevailing concerns surrounding road conditions in the country.
Expanding Oversight Scope
Alongside its oversight of the Federal Ministry of Works, the House Committee will extend its scrutiny to several affiliated agencies, including the Office of Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), School of Surveying Oyo State, and the Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Survey (RECTAS), among others. This comprehensive oversight framework will ensure that accountability and transparency permeate the entire road infrastructure ecosystem.
With their determination to enforce effective oversight and drive substantial improvements, the House Committee on Works aims to bring about a remarkable transformation in Nigeria’s road infrastructure. By employing rigorous scrutiny, strategic alternatives, and collaborative partnerships, the committee endeavors to alleviate the suffering caused by poor road conditions and contribute to the nation’s development.
