By Oluwakemi Kindness
The House of Representatives has begun a comprehensive probe into port concessionaires, raising concerns over whether the policy has delivered value for money nearly two decades after it was introduced.
The investigation focuses on air and seaport terminal operators under the concession regime launched in 2006 to improve efficiency, attract private investment, and boost infrastructure.
The investigation is being conducted by an ad-hoc committee chaired by Kolawole Davidson-Akinlayo, who described the exercise as a critical phase in the committee’s assignment.
Review of 2006 Concession Policy
Speaking during an investigative hearing with stakeholders at the National Assembly in Abuja, Akinlayo said the probe would assess the effectiveness of the port concession regime introduced in 2006.
According to him, the policy is designed to improve efficiency, attract private investment, and boost infrastructure development in the aviation and maritime sectors.
He noted that the committee would determine whether these objectives have been achieved and whether the concessions have delivered measurable economic benefits to the Federal Government and Nigerians.
Mandate: Performance, Gaps, Accountability
Akinlayo stated that the committee’s mandate includes assessing performance, determining value for money, identifying gaps, and ensuring that the intended objectives of the concessions have been met in a transparent and accountable manner.
He urged concessionaires to provide factual and verifiable accounts of their operations, investments, and compliance with concession agreements.
The lawmaker emphasised that the integrity of submissions would guide the committee’s final recommendations, while calling for full cooperation, candour, and professionalism from all parties involved.
NIMASA Highlights Investments, Capacity Growth
At the hearing, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency outlined investments made by terminal operators in equipment and infrastructure.
The agency’s Director of Ports, Cargo and Terminals, Lukeman Olaruwanju, disclosed that operators have exceeded some of their initial equipment obligations.
He noted that while only 20 trucks were originally required, operators currently deploy about 125 trucks for operations, alongside increased capacity in other cargo handling equipment.
Infrastructure, Technology, and Workforce Development
Olaruwanju further detailed investments in key equipment, including reach stackers, forklifts, terminal tractors, and empty container handlers, with combined values running into tens of millions of dollars.
He also highlighted infrastructure upgrades such as quay reinforcement and maintenance facility renovations.
In addition, improvements were recorded in operational efficiency, deployment of information technology systems, cybersecurity upgrades, and human capital development.
The committee is expected to continue its hearings with other stakeholders as it works toward a comprehensive report on the impact of port concessions on Nigeria’s economy.
