Reps move to regulate execution of FG projects by states

From: Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

A Bill seeking to regulate the execution of Federal Government projects by state governments, on Wednesday, passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

The Bill sponsored by Hon Rimamnde Shawulu seeks to provide a legal framework for the process of state governments executing federal government projects.

It is also aimed at providing more transparency in the conceptualisations, execution and payment for federal government projects executed by the states.

It has as its long title ” A Bill for an Act to regulate the  execution of federal government projects, provide for procedure to undertake such projects,  financing,  supervision / monitoring,  refund/reimbursement of money spent thereto and for other related matters. ”

Leading debate on the Bill, Shawulu said in recent time,  state governments has intervened in some federal government roads within their domain.

The lawmaker noted that these interventions are usually aimed at saving the citizens who use these roads from untold hardship.

According to him,  at the last count,   some of the states claim that  the federal government is indebted to them to the tune of over N400billion, spent on federal projects.

Shawulu added that: ” unfortunately, several of the projects executed by state governments do not meet standards required by the Federal government.  Some of the projects are poorly executed with substandard materials.”

Contributing to the debate,  Hon Fredrick Agbedi said state intervention in federal government projects is a welcome development, adding that but for the efforts of the state governments, most of the roads would have been impassable.

However,  he said there is need for transparency in the execution of the projects.

Agbedi who lauded the Bill, stated that it will bring about the required transparency and enhance the quality of federal government projects executed by states.

He said “the essence of this bill is to create transparency in the process.  How is this process costed?

“Do the states follow due process, so,  that  by the time you pass the bill to the federal government, it can be verifiable? That is very important.  Another issue is the ensure of quality in executing these projects.”

The Speaker, Hon Yakubu Dogara referred the Bill to House Committees on Finance and Public Procurement.