Reps Investigate Port Concessions for Accountability

The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the performance of port concessionaires, demanding accountability from operators. The probe is being conducted by an ad hoc committee chaired by Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo.

The committee's mandate includes assessing the effectiveness of the port concession regime introduced in 2006, which aimed to enhance efficiency, attract private sector investment, and improve infrastructure development. During a session, Akinlayo emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, urging operators to provide accurate and verifiable information regarding their operations and compliance with concession agreements.

Lukeman Olaruwanju from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) highlighted significant investments made by terminal operators, noting that they have exceeded initial obligations in several cases. The current deployment includes 125 trucks and expanded cargo handling capacity.

The committee expects to continue hearing from stakeholders to produce a comprehensive report on the impact of port concessions on Nigeria's economy.