Ohiani’s confirmation, the beginning of new era
By Bisi Adewunmi
The appointment and subsequent confirmation of Mr. Michael Joe Ohiani as the new Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has given many hope of a remarkable turnaround within an agency responsible for addressing infrastructure deficit in the country.
Having studied law as his first and second degrees from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU, Zaria) and Edo State University Ekpoma, respectively, rose to become the Director of the Contract Compliance Department. Within this period Mr. Ohiani’s potential became easily noticeable, prompting his relocation to the Legal and Governance Unit of the commission, which provides legal advice and opinions to various departments and units.
ICRC was established to superintend and regulate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) endeavors of the Federal Government of Nigeria aimed at addressing Nigeria’s physical infrastructure deficit which hampers economic development.
Members of the governing council of the ICC are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Director-General of the commission.
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier forwarded his appointment notice to the Senate requesting its confirmation.
The letter of request was sent, dated 6th of June in accordance with the provision of Section 22(1)(a) of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (Establishment) Act, 2005.
The Senate Committee on Works submitted a report on the nominee’s recommendation, which facilitated his confirmation.
According to Senator Adamu Aliero, (PDP-Kebbi Central) who chaired the committee, while presenting the report said the nominee was cross examined on the mandate of ICRC and how he would apply the knowledge and experience gathered over time to enhance the workings of the commission.
He stressed further that the nominee responded “intelligently and provided satisfactory answers to all the questions asked.” This informed his recommendation for confirmation, Aliero added.
The Commission (ICRC) was established and saddled to superintend and regulate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) endeavors of the Federal Government of Nigeria aimed at addressing Nigeria’s physical infrastructure deficit which hampers economic development.
For a more efficient and result oriented Commission, Ohiani’s confirmation has placed very cumbersome expectations on his agenda to promote the governing the commission, which is made up the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Finance Minister, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Attorney-General of the Federation to a more formidable agency.
