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Reps Launch Probe into Airport, Seaport Concessions After 19 Years
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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to investigate the performance of concessionaires operating Nigeria’s federal air and sea ports, amid growing questions over the real benefits accruing to the Federal Government.
Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday at the National Assembly, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Rep. Loari Kwamoti, said the probe would cover concession agreements and related shipping activities spanning 2006 to 2025.
Speaker Abbas explained that the original decision to concession major national assets was aimed at improving efficiency, modernising infrastructure, attracting private investment and boosting government revenue.
He said: “It is with a deep sense of duty and constitutional responsibility that I stand before you today to inaugurate this Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives, constituted to investigate, examine, and appraise the performance of concessionaires operating federal air and sea port terminals, as well as related shipping activities, from 2006 to 2025, and to determine the actual benefits accrued to the Federal Government of Nigeria over this period.
“Nearly two decades after the commencement of these concession arrangements, it is both timely and imperative for the Legislature, as representatives of the Nigerian people, to undertake a comprehensive review of their outcomes”.
The Speaker emphasised that the exercise was not intended to discourage private sector involvement but to fulfil the House’s oversight responsibilities.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this exercise is not an attempt to undermine legitimate private sector participation, it is rather an expression of the House’s constitutional mandate to conduct oversight, ensure accountability, and safeguard national interest.
“Nigerians deserve to know whether these concessions have delivered value for money, complied with contractual obligations, enhanced national competitiveness, protected public assets, and contributed meaningfully to economic growth, employment, and revenue generation”, he added.
Abbas outlined the committee’s wide-ranging mandate, which includes reviewing concession agreements, assessing revenue remittances to government, examining compliance with regulatory and safety standards, evaluating infrastructure development and service quality, and identifying gaps within the concession framework.
“The scope of this Committee’s assignment is broad and critical,” he said, adding that the panel is also expected to produce “clear, practicable recommendations to improve policy, legislation, and future concession arrangements.”
Charging members of the committee to act with integrity, the Speaker said, “The House has reposed enormous confidence in your integrity, competence, and sense of patriotism. You are expected to carry out this assignment with objectivity, professionalism, and transparency, guided solely by facts, documents, and the overriding national interest.”
He therefore urged the panel to engage stakeholders openly and avoid prejudged outcomes.
“Let your proceedings be thorough, evidence-based, and free from preconceived conclusions.
“The outcome of this investigation will not only shape public confidence in concessioning as a policy tool but will also inform future reforms in public-private partnerships across critical sectors of our economy. History will judge us by how faithfully we discharge this responsibility to the Nigerian people,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, th Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Rep. Kolawole Akinlayo, said that the National Assembly will leave no stone unturned in determining whether the country has truly benefited from nearly two decades of concession arrangements.
The Chairman said the panel was set up in response to mounting national concerns over transparency, performance and value for money in the management of Nigeria’s air and sea ports between 2006 and 2025.
“I warmly welcome you all to this inaugural session of the Ad-hoc Committee mandated to investigate, review, and appraise the performance of all concessionaires and NPA-operated ports, terminals, logistics facilities, and related inbound and outbound shipping activities spanning the period 2006 to 2025, pursuant to House Resolution HR. 130/12/2025.
“These assets—our seaports, airports, terminals, and jetties—are not ordinary commercial facilities. They are sovereign economic gateways, national security infrastructure, and critical enablers of trade, mobility, and development,” he said.
He explained that the House resolved to establish the committee because of the strategic importance of maritime and port infrastructure to national revenue, trade facilitation and economic growth.
The Chairman noted that the committee’s work would be comprehensive, transparent and accountable, with engagements planned across a wide range of institutions and stakeholders.
“The House of Representatives, recognizing the critical importance of our nation’s maritime and port infrastructure to economic growth, trade facilitation, and national revenue generation, resolved to establish this Committee to ensure a thorough and evidence-based review of the benefits accruing to the Federal Government from these operations.
“In executing this mandate, the Committee will engage relevant government agencies, regulatory bodies, and private sector stakeholders. These includes the Nigerian Ports Authority, concessionaires, NIMASA, Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Shippers’ Council, crude oil and gas terminal operators, vessel owners, importers, shipping companies and banks.
“Our engagements will focus on compliance with applicable laws, operational efficiencies, complaints of statutory breaches, and revenue performance, among other critical areas.
“Our objective is clear: to ensure that the Federal Government and the Nigerian people derive maximum benefits from our port and terminal operations, that revenues due are fully captured, and that operational lapses or inefficiencies are identified and addressed.
“This is not only an exercise in review but a critical step toward strengthening governance, promoting accountability, and fostering an enabling environment for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector”, he stated.
He called for cooperation and professionalism, and urged both committee members and stakeholders to rise above narrow interests.
“I call on all members of this Committee, and all stakeholders we shall engage, to approach this mandate with the highest sense of duty, professionalism, and commitment to the national interest.
“This Committee understands the weight of this responsibility. We are determined to leave behind a legacy of stronger infrastructure governance, improved service delivery, enhanced investor discipline, and restored public confidence in Nigeria’s concession programme.
“I therefore call on all participants to approach this process with seriousness, candour, and a shared commitment to national interest over narrow advantage. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
…Abbas pledge collaboration with opposition leaders to advance 10th Assembly’s legislative agenda
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has formally announced the completion of the minority leadership structure in the 10th House following the nomination and endorsement of three lawmakers to fill vacant principal officer positions.
Speaking during plenary, Abbas informed members that the minority caucus had unanimously agreed on the appointments through a consensus arrangement.
According to the Speaker, the nomination was conveyed to the House in line with the decision of minority members of the 10th Assembly.
He said: “The election of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the minority members of the 10th Assembly hereby unanimously nominate the following members by consensus to fill the vacant positions of the minority in the parliament.”
Announcing the appointments, Abbas stated: “Number one, Minority Leader, Rt. Honourable Frederick Abedi PhD. Number two is the position of Minority Whip, and the person they have endorsed is no other than Honourable Monsur Soro.
He added: “The last but not the least is my brother from the northwest, in person of Rt. Honourable Abdusamadu Dasuki, the position of Deputy Minority Leader.”
Following the announcement, the Speaker congratulated the newly appointed principal officers and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the work of the House.
He also assured the new opposition leaders of the support of the House leadership as they assume their responsibilities.
“So honourable colleagues, today the body of principal officers is complete, and I want to seize this opportunity on behalf of the whole entire house to congratulate the three people and to wish them all the best in their new positions.
“And let them be assured that the leadership of the house will work with them assiduously in ensuring that we achieve our legislative agenda objectives of this very important 10th Assembly,” Abbas said.
The Speaker wished members well and prayed for continued success in the work of the legislature.
“May God bless you all”, he concluded.
Finally the first set of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos following renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.
The Air Peace flight carrying the returnees arrived at the airport around 10:25 am on Thursday.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, among others, was on hand to welcome the 258 evacuees who were escorted by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Temitope Ajayi.
Addressing the returnees, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria will not stand idly by while its citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment wherever they may be in the world; hence, the swift and necessary action to bring them home.
In a statement following their arrival, the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, quoted Enikanolaiye as commending the excellent coordination of the process by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria.
He urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to report any threats to the Nigerian Mission. The minister said that the Federal Government remains fully engaged with the South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and to address the root causes of these incidents.
The minister conveyed the heartfelt greetings and assurances of President Bola Tinubu to the returning nationals.
“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality. The evacuation does not signal defeat; it underscores the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of the Tinubu administration,” the statement read in part. “More flights carrying returnees are expected to arrive in the country in the coming days as the evacuation exercise continues.”
The returning nationals are undergoing the process of documentation, profiling, and necessary medical checks and will be provided with temporary accommodation before being reunited with their families, the ministry said.
Anti-foreigner violence has convulsed South Africa for weeks as gangs armed with sticks, whips, and shields have marched through parts of the “rainbow nation”, demanding that people with no residency papers leave by June 30.
Foreign nationals have reported being intimidated and beaten by mobs going door to door, families have been forced from their homes, and many have left in the face of the threats.
Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi have already repatriated hundreds of their citizens in recent weeks.
South Africa is Africa’s largest economy and hosts more than three million foreigners, just over five per cent of its population, according to the country’s statistics agency.
…Enikanolaiye says rescue mission reflects Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad
By Gloria Ikibah
The first batch of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has arrived safely in the country, with the Federal Government describing the operation as a clear demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians wherever they reside.
The returnees landed at the International Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning aboard a special Air Peace flight arranged and fully funded by the Federal Government.
The evacuees, who were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria led by Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi, were received on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Addressing the returnees, Enikanolaiye conveyed President Tinubu’s message of solidarity and reassurance, stressing that the safety and dignity of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority for the administration.
He said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria will not stand idly by while our citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment, wherever they may be in the world, hence the swift and necessary action to bring our people home.”
The minister noted that the evacuation exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and several government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Ministry of Aviation, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Immigration Service and security agencies.
According to the ministry, the operation underscores the government’s determination to protect Nigerians from violence, discrimination and intimidation abroad.
The statement stressed that the evacuation should not be interpreted as a retreat but rather as a proactive intervention aimed at safeguarding citizens caught in a difficult situation.
“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality. The evacuation does not signal defeat; it underscores the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of the Tinubu administration,” he added.
Enikanolaiye also commended the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria for its role in ensuring the successful evacuation of the affected citizens.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria remains in active diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to address the situation and ensure the safety of Nigerians still residing in the country.
“I commend the excellent coordination of the process by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria and urge all Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to report any threats to the Nigerian Mission.
“The Federal Government remains fully engaged with the South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and to address the root causes of these unfortunate incidents”, he stated.
The returnees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling and medical screening, after which they will receive temporary accommodation and other forms of assistance before being reunited with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as efforts continue to bring home Nigerians affected by the attacks.
The ministry also appealed for calm while diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis are intensified.
The latest evacuation follows renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have periodically faced attacks, harassment and threats in recent years.
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