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Ports Under the Microscope as Reps Launch Sweeping Probe into 20-Year Concession Deal

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has opened a far-reaching investigation into the performance of concessionaires running the nation’s air and sea port terminals, raising pressing questions about transparency, accountability, and whether Nigerians have truly received value for money over the past two decades.

Leading the charge, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate and Appraise the Performance and Benefits Accrued to the Federal Government from Concessionaires Operating Air and Seaport Terminals and related Shipping activities from 2006-2026, Rep. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, described the inquiry as a decisive moment as lawmakers convened with key industry stakeholders on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja.

He made it clear that the exercise goes beyond routine oversight, signalling a deeper scrutiny of the concession regime introduced in 2006 — a policy widely expected to transform efficiency, attract private investment, and modernise infrastructure across the aviation and maritime sectors.

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“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.

Rep. Akinlayo emphasised that the original policy was crafted to yield tangible economic gains for both the Federal Government and ordinary Nigerians, adding that the committee is determined to find out if those promises have been fulfilled.

“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 added.

The Chairman further urged concessionaires to come forward with accurate, verifiable details of their operations, including investments made and adherence to contractual obligations. According to him, the credibility of their submissions will play a pivotal role in shaping the committee’s final recommendations.

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“We expect full cooperation, candour, and professionalism from all parties,” he said.

The Director Ports, Cargo and Terminals at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Olayiwola Olaruwanju, pointed to what he described as substantial investments by terminal operators in both equipment and infrastructure.

He indicated that several operators have gone beyond their original contractual obligations, particularly in the area of logistics support. For instance, where the initial requirement was the provision of just 20 trucks, operators are now said to be deploying roughly 125 trucks, alongside expanded fleets of other cargo-handling machinery.

Olaruwanju also outlined a range of high-value equipment acquisitions, including reach stackers, forklifts, terminal tractors and empty container handlers. According to him, these investments run into tens of millions of dollars, complemented by upgrades to port infrastructure such as reinforced quays and refurbished maintenance facilities.

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Beyond physical assets, he highlighted progress in operational efficiency, noting the adoption of modern information technology systems, improved cybersecurity measures and increased focus on workforce development.

The committee is set to hear from additional stakeholders in the coming sessions as it compiles a detailed assessment of how port concession agreements have shaped Nigeria’s economic landscape.

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Police nab suspects over alleged removal of 19-yr-old girl’s womb

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The police have nabbed two suspected human trafficking operatives in connection with the alleged removal of the womb of a 19-year-old girl in a disturbing case of gender-based violence and organ trafficking.

Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, made the disclosure on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during the Command’s first quarter press briefing, where he outlined operational achievements from February to date.

According to a report filed on April 3, 2026, at about 5:30pm., a woman from Ekpan community in Uvwie local government area raised alarm after her teenage daughter returned home in a visibly deteriorated state of health.

The victim, who had been residing with her father in Okpaka, reportedly visited her mother in Ekpan, where concerns about her condition prompted questioning.

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In her account, the 19-year-old disclosed that in September 2025, she and two friends were introduced to a woman identified as Blessing Mongo, 47, who allegedly linked them to another suspect, Esther, 32.

The suspects reportedly facilitated their movement under the pretext of travelling to Ivory Coast.

The victim alleged that shortly after arriving in Ivory Coast, she was injected with an unknown substance and subsequently taken to a hospital.

Upon regaining consciousness, she discovered that her abdomen had been surgically treated.

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She further claimed that she was later returned to Nigeria and abandoned in Lagos before finding her way back to Delta State.

Following the report, police operatives arrested two suspects, Blessing Mongo and Esther, while investigations commenced.

The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more detailed probe.

Medical examination conducted as part of the investigation reportedly confirmed that the victim’s womb had been removed without her consent, raising serious concerns over an alleged organ trafficking operation.

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Police authorities confirmed that the two suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other individuals linked to the case.

The police assured the public that justice would be pursued and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, particularly those involving human trafficking and exploitation.

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Court bars INEC from recognising ADC congresses conducted by Mark-led C’ttee

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the responsibility for conducting state congresses rests with the party’s state executive committees, not the national leadership.

The court further ruled that the four-year tenure of the ADC’s State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remains valid and subsisting, pending the conduct of properly constituted congresses and the convocation of a national convention.

Justice Abdulmalik also held that neither the Constitution of Nigeria nor that of the party empowers the caretaker/interim National Working Committee, led by David Mark, to appoint committees for the purpose of conducting state congresses.

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The judgment is on the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026 filed by Don Norman Obinna, Johnny Tovie Derek, Obah C. Ehigiator, Hon. Olona Yinka, Dr. Charles Idowu Omideji, Samuel Pam Gyang, and Obianyo Patrick as plaintiffs, suing for themselves and on behalf of all State Chairmen and State Executive Committees of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Listed as defendants in the matter are the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Sen. David Mark; Sen. Patricia Akwashiki; Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor (sued on behalf of the Caretaker/Interim National Working Committee) and INEC.

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The plaintiffs had complained, among others, that the Mark-led leadership of the ADC had constituted a congress committee for the purpose of conducting state congresses.

They challenged the validity of any appointments made by the Mark-led caretaker committee and argued that the planned state congress slated for April 2026, if conducted under the supervision of the said caretaker committee, would constitute a gross violation of the party’s constitution.

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Details shortly…

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Tinubu Allocates Abuja Lands to Ambassadors Designate as Wike Charges Diplomats to Project Nigeria’s Image(Photos)

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the allocation of land to Ambassadors and High Commissioners-Designate in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic engagement and encourage closer ties with Nigeria.

Wike made the disclosure during a courtesy visit by Ambassadors-designate led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, on Tuesday.

Addressing the envoys, the minister said that the President’s decision stemmed from a desire to ensure that Nigeria’s representatives have a permanent stake and a residence in Abuja for when they return for periodic briefings.

​”The President believes that most of you do not have a place in Abuja… he will encourage you to see how you will put up where you can stay.

“Before you leave this morning, each and every one of you should have your form to apply for a land allocation in Abuja,” Wike stated.

He also noted that the gesture was aimed at deepening diplomatic presence in Nigeria’s capital while fostering stronger engagement between foreign missions and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” Wike said, urging the envoys to uphold the nation’s image in their respective postings.

“You are, in essence, the mirror of this country. The way the world sees you is the way it will see Nigeria,” Wike said, urging the envoys to uphold the nation’s image in their respective postings.

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He charged them to effectively communicate the vision and priorities of President Tinubu, particularly in attracting foreign investment and strengthening international partnerships.

“Mr. President has travelled extensively to attract investment and partnerships. It is now your role to reinforce that effort by building confidence in Nigeria as a viable destination for investment,” he stated.

The minister also used the occasion to dismiss concerns about Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state, insisting that the country remains firmly rooted in democratic principles.

“Nigeria remains a multi-party democracy. There is no plan to turn the country into a one-party state. You must communicate this clearly wherever you serve,” he said.

Highlighting development strides in the FCT, Wike noted that infrastructure expansion and improved road networks across the six area councils Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali were positioning Abuja as a competitive global capital.

He called on the envoys to attract investors, particularly in agriculture and waste management, noting that vast arable land in areas such as Gwagwalada and Kwali remains underutilised.

“There is enormous potential in agriculture within the FCT, but investment is still limited. We need your support to unlock these opportunities,” he added.

Wike further revealed ongoing efforts to partner with countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt to boost key sectors, while also announcing plans for engagement with the European Commission to enhance development cooperation.

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He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying, “I remain confident that by 2027, Nigeria will be more peaceful, more united, and stronger as a nation.”

Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Ahmed, said the visit was part of the ambassadors’ induction programme, designed to expose them to the strategic importance of the FCT in Nigeria’s foreign relations.

He noted that Abuja, as the nation’s administrative and diplomatic hub, plays a critical role in shaping global perceptions of Nigeria.

“Our Ambassadors and High Commissioners have been entrusted with representing Nigeria at a pivotal moment in our nation’s development,” Ahmed said, adding that they were expected to promote economic diplomacy, attract investment, and project Nigeria positively on the global stage.

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He commended the ongoing transformation of the FCT under Wike’s leadership, particularly in infrastructure, urban management, and service delivery, noting that such progress strengthens Nigeria’s international image.

Ahmed also called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s foreign missions and the FCT Administration to advance investment promotion, cultural exchange, and urban development initiatives.

The visit, he said, underscores the importance of aligning Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives with domestic development priorities, especially in positioning Abuja as a world-class capital and a hub for international cooperation.

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