The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the 5 per cent user charge on petroleum products as stipulated under the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Act, 2007. The House emphasised that enforcing this provision remains a priority for the 10th Assembly as part of its efforts to address Nigeria’s critical road infrastructure needs, a statement by FERMA’s Director, Information and Public Relations, Maryam Sanusi, stated. This commitment, according to the statement, was made during a technical meeting convened by the ad-hoc committee investigating the collection and remittance of the 5 per cent user charge. The meeting had in attendance the management team of FERMA and other relevant stakeholders in the petroleum and road sectors, the statement added. In his remarks, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Francis Waive, clarified that the implementation of the user charge was not intended to increase the pump price of petroleum products, but rather to ensure sustainable road maintenance nationwide for the benefit of all Nigerians, including the petroleum industry.

THISDAY