Ewalefoh: PPP’s Commercial Returns Will Not Be Allowed to Undermine Affordable Healthcare, Infrastructure

Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), has reassured Nigerians that commercial returns from public-private partnership (PPP) projects will not compromise the affordability and accessibility of essential healthcare services and medicines.

Speaking about the Commission's oversight of healthcare PPPs, including the Medical Commodities Procurement and Supply Chain Optimisation Project (MEDIPOOL), Ewalefoh emphasized that affordability and public interest remain paramount in the development and negotiation of these projects. He highlighted that the ICRC's regulatory assessment begins with the submission of an Outline Business Case, focusing on the project's viability, value for money, procurement transparency, and overall benefit to the public.

Ewalefoh stressed that the pursuit of commercial returns must be balanced with the social responsibilities of government, ensuring that projects meet genuine needs and are priced fairly. Regarding MEDIPOOL, the project aims to facilitate bulk medicine procurement, lowering costs for pharmaceutical products, including in remote areas.

This could also boost domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. Ewalefoh addressed concerns over toll charges under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), explaining that the Commission evaluates toll pricing based on infrastructure quality, efficiency, and benefits to road users.

He cited the 227-kilometre Akwanga–Makurdi road corridor as an example, noting that toll payments should be seen as compensation for previously poor road conditions. Ewalefoh noted that feedback from road users suggests many are willing to pay for improved road quality. He emphasized that toll pricing is negotiated to ensure fairness, with generated revenue stored for maintenance.

Under the concession, the government is relieved of additional maintenance costs, and potholes must be repaired within 48 hours, while major repairs are funded from toll revenue set aside for maintenance.