The House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport has invited the managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, over alleged mismanagement of assets.
In a statement on Friday, the committee chairwoman, Ms Blessing Onuh (APC-Benue), also stated that the committee had invited the managing director of the Railway Property Management Company Ltd., Timothy Zalanga.
Ms Onuh said the decision to invite the officials was sequel to the committee’s resolution, following the allegation of indiscriminate property sales without due process.
She said there were concerns that some of NRC’s pensioners and staff were allegedly chased out of their apartments in the staff quarters while the property was sold.
The chairwoman said the officials are to appear in person before the committee on May 21 to account for assets under their stewardship.
The lawmaker requested that management of both agencies submit all relevant documents regarding their 2022, 2023, and 2024 budget performances, all assets of NRC, and their public-private partnership arrangements to the secretariat on or before Tuesday, May 20.
The lawmaker said the invitation is not a “witch-hunt” and aimed to ensure that the agencies lived up to expectations.
“Sections 88, 89, 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) are very clear of the oversight power of the legislature.
“The committee under my leadership will not watch and allow things go in the wrong direction,” she said.
The chairman said the committee would be working toward collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure success in the land transport sector, particularly the railway transport system.
(NAN)
