By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the performance of concessionaires operating Nigeria’s air and seaport terminals, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and value for money over the past two decades.
The probe is being conducted by an ad-hoc committee chaired by Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, which is tasked with assessing the effectiveness of the port concession regime introduced in 2006 to enhance efficiency, attract private sector investment, and improve infrastructure development.
Addressing stakeholders at the session, Akinlayo described the engagement as a crucial phase of the committee’s assignment.
“This session marks a critical phase in the Committee’s assignment. Today, we shall engage directly with terminal operators whose roles have been central to the concession regime introduced nearly two decades ago,” he said.
He noted that the committee’s mandate includes evaluating the performance of concessionaires, determining whether value for money has been achieved, identifying existing gaps, and ensuring that the objectives of the concession policy have been met in a transparent and accountable manner.
Akinlayo urged operators to provide accurate and verifiable information regarding their operations, investments, and compliance with the terms of their concession agreements.
“We expect full cooperation, candour, and professionalism from all parties,” he added.
Speaking during the session, Lukeman Olaruwanju of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) highlighted significant investments made by terminal operators, noting that these have surpassed initial obligations in several cases.
According to him, operators currently deploy about 125 trucks, alongside expanded cargo-handling capacity through equipment such as reach stackers, forklifts, and terminal tractors.
Olaruwanju also pointed to improvements in operational efficiency, the deployment of modern information technology systems, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks, and increased investment in human capital development.
The committee is expected to continue its hearings with other key stakeholders, with the aim of producing a comprehensive report on the impact of port concessions on Nigeria’s economy.
