Labour Party aspirant in Borno State, Capt. Ibrahim Mshelia has attributed the failure of public-private partnership concept in Nigeria to the shoddiness and lopsidedness in the agreements.
Mshelia who made the observation in his keynote address at the National Union of Air a Transport Employees (NUATE) 10th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference holding in Asaba, Delta State
He explained that the PPP arrangement involves the private sector in aspects of the provision of infrastructure, assets and or services, new or existing that have traditionally been provided by the government.
He also said through such private engagements, governments broaden their options for delivering better services to its people and increase the economic multiplier effects while the private sector provides finance and expertise to ease fiscal constraints and increase efficiency Mshelia, who is also the chief executive of WestLink Airlines, described PPP as a “lofty idea” saying if it were handled transparently, it would help the nation as a whole improve on the current infrastructure deficit it faces.
“On the surface, this is a very lofty idea. If done transparently, we all should encourage it because that is the modern practice in all fast growing economies across the world.
“However, the PPP seems not to be walking on the fast lane in the Nigerian aviation sector. This is largely due to shoddy and lopsided packages that oftentimes constitute grave and lethal therapy for the growth of the sector. ”
“Examples fresh in our minds today are the controversies that bedevil the Maevis and Bi-Courtney contracts. There is no gain saying that the sector can only succeed in the drive towards PPP when we have a government that is answerable to the people in place,” he said.
Thereafter, Mshelia called on the union to map out plans to make LP great by working to install a responsive, responsible, an intellectual and worker friendly government saying he was in the governorship race to provide good leadership.
“The upcoming election is around the corner. We need to begin to mark out plans and back them with actions to ensure we grow our own party.
“Sequel to this drive, I want to implore that as we are looking unto NUATE to turn out a new set of leaders to pilot the affairs of the aviation workers for another four years from this assembly, we must not also lose focus on the ultimate goal of installing our own government and marshalling our programs towards that target.”
“Some of us have already begun the move by taking the bold step to creating the change that we all desire. I am happy to inform you, as my first constituency that I will be contesting to be the executive governor of Borno State under our party, the Labour Party come 2019.”
“I greet all of you with the message of hope, optimism and change that can be brought about by purposeful and focused leadership. That is what you and I are offering to our nation. I have this strong conviction that the Nigerian workers have all it takes to drive the country away from this track of perdition,” said Mshelia.
