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.
“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.
“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.
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.