Reps begin probe into airport, seaport concessions

The House of Representatives has begun investigation into the performance of concessionaires managing Nigeria’s air and seaport terminals, calling for demonstrable value for money over the past two decades.

Kolawole Akinlayo, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, speaking Wednesday explained that the probe would evaluate the effectiveness of the port concession regime introduced in 2006, which was intended to enhance operational efficiency, attract private sector investment and stimulate infrastructure development across the aviation and maritime sectors.

He noted that the policy was designed to deliver measurable economic benefits to both the Federal Government and Nigerians, stressing that the committee would determine whether these objectives had been realised.

“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,” Akinlayo added.

He urged concessionaires to provide accurate and verifiable accounts of their operations, investments and compliance with concession agreements, emphasising that the credibility of submissions would inform the committee’s final recommendations.

Also speaking Lukeman Olaruwanju, Director of Ports and Cargo Terminals at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), highlighted substantial investments made by terminal operators in both equipment and infrastructure.

Olaruwanju revealed that operators had exceeded some of their initial equipment obligations. While only 20 trucks were originally required under the agreements, operators now deploy approximately 125 trucks, alongside expanded capacity in other cargo-handling equipment.

He further detailed investments in assets such as reach stackers, forklifts, terminal tractors and empty container handlers, with total expenditures running into tens of millions of dollars. Infrastructure upgrades, including quay reinforcement and the renovation of maintenance facilities, were also noted.

In addition, he pointed to improvements in operational efficiency, the adoption of advanced information technology systems, enhanced cybersecurity measures and ongoing human capital development.