19-Year Port Probe: Reps Target Airport, Seaport Concessions

By Linda Ike

House of Representatives has launched an ad-hoc committee to scrutinise concessionaires running Nigeria’s federal airports and seaports from 2006-2025, probing real gains for government amid transparency concerns.

At Tuesday’s National Assembly inauguration, Speaker of the house, Tajudeen Abbas who was represented by Loari Kwamoti stressed the review’s urgency.

“Nearly two decades on, it’s timely for the Legislature to assess outcomes of deals meant to boost efficiency, infrastructure, investment, and revenues.

“This isn’t to undermine private sector role, it’s oversight to ensure accountability and national interest,” Abbas said.

“Nigerians deserve answers on value for money, contract compliance, competitiveness, asset protection, growth, jobs, and revenue.” Abbas charged.

The committee mandate is to Review agreements and revenue remittances.Check regulatory/safety compliance.Evaluate infrastructure, service quality, and gaps. Deliver recommendations for policy, laws, and future PPPs.

Abbas tasked them to act with integrity, objectivity, transparency, evidence-based, no preconceptions, saying, “Your work shapes public trust in concessions and PPP reforms.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kolawole Akinlayo welcomed members, calling ports/airports sovereign gateways for trade, mobility, development, set through House Resolution HR. 130/12/2025 amid concerns over transparency, performance, and value.

Engagements target NPA, NIMASA, Customs, BPP, Shippers’ Council, oil/gas terminals, vessel owners, importers, shipping firms, banks, focusing on laws, efficiency, breaches, revenue.

“Our goal maximise benefits, capture revenues, fix lapses for better governance and growth,” he said.

“Approach with duty, professionalism, national interest first. Let’s build stronger infrastructure legacy.” the chairman added