DPR: Reps query N30.570bn overhead cost, demand 3 years audited accounts

House Committee on Petroleum Resources on Thursday queried the N30.570 billion overhead cost proposed by Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in the 2016 budget proposal.

To this end, the committee demanded for the nominal roll of the agency as well as three years audited accounts with a view to ascertain details of revenue generated within the years under review.

While responding to questions on the internally generated revenue by the agency, Wole Akinyosoye, DPR’s assistant director, budget and planning, disclosed that N587,643,105,395.23 realised by the agency in 2015 was remitted to the Federation Account.

Members of the committee also queried the N624,742,774 proposed for acquisition of non-tangible assets; N183.294 million for purchase of fire fighting equipment, N184,820,226 for purchase of furniture and fittings, and N80.328 for construction/provision of fixed assets.

The lawmakers also frowned at the N16,856,642,764.47 proposed for benefits and allowances in 2016, and N16,946,912,541.5 approved in 2015 Appropriation Act for the agency with 1,180 staff.

According to the committee, average of N25 million is being taken by each staff per annum, while the N34 million was proposed for refreshment and meal by the agency.

In a related development, the House Committee on FCT Area Council and Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by Zephaniah Jisalo, urged Muhammad Bello, FCT minister on the need to ensure adequate provision of critical infrastructure in the satellite towns in the bid to reduce congestion in the city centre.

From the 2016 budget proposal, from the sum of N2 billion proposed for infrastructure, N500 million is for the development of Kubwa district IV and V, N500 for development of Karshi district I and II, and N1 billion for the Karshi water scheme, according to the minister.

Bello, who pledged the administration’s readiness to increase its revenue base, emphasised the need to identify key priority projects and complete them considering the funding challenge.

“We are working seriously on widening the revenue, particularly with the full implementation of the FCT internal revenue service,” he assured.

While speaking, Jisalo urged the minister to ensure the construction of more roads and supply of potable water to boost commercial activities in the satellite towns.

KEHINDE AKINTOLA