Tension marked the ongoing oversight exercise of the Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives Investigating and Appraising the Performance and Benefits Accruing to the Federal Government from Concessionaire-Operated Ports (2006–2025), as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reportedly declined to receive members of the Committee during a scheduled visit.
It woild be recalled that the House of Representatives at its sitting mandated through its Resolution HR. 130/12/2025 the Ad-hoc committee to carry out Investigation and Appraise the Performance and Benefits Accruing to the Federal Government from Concessionaire-Operated Ports (2006–2025
The Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, had formally notified the NPA management of its planned oversight engagement as part of its mandate.
However, upon arrival at the Authority’s office, members of the delegation were informed of the unavailability of the Managing Director, with no immediate alternative arrangement made to engage the Committee.
Members of the committee the described the development as unexpected and disappointing, particularly given the central role of the NPA in the concessioning of port terminals across the country.
The Authority serves as the primary regulatory and supervisory body overseeing concession agreements with private terminal operators, making its input critical to the success of the Committee’s assignment.
In view of this development, the Committee expressed its determination to carry out its constitutional responsibility without compromise.
Speaking shortly after the development, Chairman Hon. Akinlayo emphasized that the exercise is in the interest of the nation and aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and optimal returns to the Federal Government from port operations.
“This Committee is acting on the mandate of the House of Representatives to thoroughly investigate the performance of all concessionaire-operated ports. Every relevant institution is expected to cooperate fully with this process,” he stated.
The Committee reiterated that it had engaged other stakeholders, including terminal operators such as ENL Consortium,APM terminals,Port and Cargo handing service Limited, Port and Terminals Multiservice Limited and Five Stars Logistics limited who provided useful insights into their operations during earlier visits.
It was rrliably gathered that the absence of the NPA’s top leadership at such a critical engagement could raise concerns about institutional cooperation and transparency in the ongoing probe.
It is of the view that the success of the investigation largely depends on the willingness of key agencies to provide accurate data and submit to legislative scrutiny.
The Committee is expected to reschedule its engagement with the NPA while continuing its nationwide oversight of port concessionaires and related maritime operations.
The investigation, which covers nearly two decades of port concession activities, is anticipated to shape future legislative and policy directions in the Nigeria’s maritime sector.