House of Representatives has kicked off a far-reaching probe into the performance of concessionaires managing Nigeria’s air and sea ports.
The investigation, which began yesterday with an investigative hearing at the National Assembly, signals a renewed push for transparency, accountability and value for money in the sector.
The purpose of the probe is to examine the outcome of concession agreements spanning two decades, as well as identify some major challenges among others.
In his opening address, Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Kolawole Akinlayo described the exercise as a critical phase in the legislature’s oversight responsibility.
Akinlayo explained that the policy was originally designed to improve operational efficiency, as well as attract private investments for the purpose of driving infrastructural development across the aviation and maritime sectors.
The chairman also disclosed that his committee’s task include determining whether these goals had been achieved and if the federal government and Nigerians had derived commensurate maximum benefits from the process.
“The committee’s mandate is clear: to assess performance, determine value for money, identify gaps and ensure that the intended objectives of these concessions have been met in a transparent and accountable manner,” he said.
Akinlayo urged all concessionaires to urgently provide accurate and verifiable records of their operations and compliance levels to the panel for scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, used the opportunity to highlight notable progress recorded under the concession framework.
Executive Director for Ports and Cargo Terminals, Lukeman Olaruwanju informed that operators had made substantial investments in equipment and infrastructure, surpassing some initial requirements and improving operational efficiency through technology upgrades and enhanced capacity.
He identified increased deployment of cargo handling equipment, significant infrastructure improvements and strengthened human capital development as evidence of progress.
The committee is expected to continue its hearings with additional stakeholders in attendance next week.