NNPC's N621bn Road Project Approval Criticized by PDP Chieftain

Strategic Insights -

PDP Chieftain, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has expressed concern over the Federal Government's approval of N621bn for the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to fund the construction and rehabilitation of 20 federal roads across the country. Onuesoke questioned the wisdom of using NNPC's tax liabilities for road projects, wondering where the money will come from and how it will be accounted for. He also criticized the unequal distribution of funds, with 70% allocated to the North and only 2% to the South.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Federal Government has approved N621bn for the NNPC to fund the construction and rehabilitation of 20 federal roads.
  • Chief Sunny Onuesoke has criticized the decision, questioning the use of NNPC's tax liabilities for road projects.
  • The funds will be used to construct and rehabilitate 1804.6km of roads across the country.
  • The sharing patterns of the roads have been criticized, with 288.22km allocated to the South and 1,516.38km to the North.
  • Only two roads (114km) were selected in the South, while nine roads (993.45km) were selected in the North Central alone.
  • The PDP Chieftain has queried if the NNPC has taken over the functions of the Federal Ministry of Works, and criticized the use of NNPC's funds for road projects instead of paying taxes and doing corporate social responsibility.

Statistics:

  • N621bn allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of 20 federal roads.
  • 1804.6km of roads to be constructed and rehabilitated.
  • 288.22km allocated to the South.
  • 1,516.38km allocated to the North.
  • 2% of the funds allocated to the Southern region.
  • 9 roads (993.45km) selected for the North Central region.

Sources:

  • A statement made by Chief Sunny Onuesoke to a correspondent at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos.
  • The Federal Government's approval of N621bn for the NNPC at the Presidential Villa.
  • The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola's statement on the Federal Government Road Infrastructure and Refreshment Tax Credit Scheme.
  • The PDP Chieftain's criticism of the NNPC and the Federal Government's decision.