Enugu – The Enugu State Public-Private Partnership bill on Tuesday scaled through second reading at the state assembly.
Contributing to the bill, the Leader of the assembly, Mr Ikechukwu Ezugwu (PDP-Udenu), who sponsored the bill, said that its essence was to ensure that a conducive business environment was provided by the state to boost investors’ interest.
Ezugwu said that the PPP bill would create the enabling environment to secure investment returns and ensure that all kinds of genuine businesses were protected in the state.
“Enugu State organized a successful Oganiru Investment Summit, the expectations of investors is that the state and its law should comply with international best practices.
“One good thing about the PPP bill is that the performance is rewarded based on the extent you are able to do it.
“The will also ensure that both the private and public sectors will collaborate to enthrone efficiency in service delivery as well as affordable cost of goods,’’ he said.
He called on the lawmakers to support the bill so that investors could come to the state.
In his contribution, Dr Emeka Ogbuabor (PDP-Isiuzo) said that the reason for the bill was very apt, as it sought to establish and maintain public infrastructure, public assets and provide social amenities.
Ogbuabor said that the intention of the bill was to maximise the efficiency in the private sector as it was a global trend.
He said that the bill would get Enugu ready to build on the gains of the just concluded summit and wished that the bill would go through all the processes.
Also supporting the bill, Mr Mathew Ugwueze (PDP-Igboeze South) said that its passage would create jobs, increase the revenue base of the state and increase infrastructural facilities in the state.
“The benefits of the bill cannot be over-emphasised because it will provide competition among the people as no government will thrive without competition,’’ he said.
Similarly, a bill to amend the Enugu State Finance Law, Cap 77, was read for the first time during the session.
Ruling, the Speaker, Chief Edward Ubosi, thanked the members for their robust contributions, adding that the bill would create the enabling environment for private businesses to thrive.
The bill was referred to the assembly joint committees on commerce and industry, finance and appropriation and judiciary, public petitions, ethics and privileges to organise a public hearing before one month.
The assembly adjourned its plenary to May 3. (NAN)
