The House of Representatives on Tuesday issued a summons to Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Blue Economy and Transport, concerning the management of port infrastructure concessions in the country.
Expressing concerns about the concession of seaport terminals, Rep. Ibrahim Hamisu, the Chairman of the House Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, criticized the methodology employed.
Additional individuals summoned include Mr. Muhammed Koko, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mamman Ahmadu, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprise, and Mr. Michael Ohiani, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Hamisu highlighted the inadequate handling of the concession process, noting that five companies had been operating without license renewals for three years. This situation has led to significant revenue losses for the Federal Government. The chairman emphasized the urgency of addressing the prolonged renewal process to attract investments into crucial port infrastructure.
“From the brief we received from the affected parties and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) involved in the process, we now understand what is happening.
“What is outstanding in concluding the process that started over 5 years ago is the execution of the negotiated Supplementary Agreements for the respective terminals.
“That is why we invited all stakeholders to see how we can work together to quickly address these concerns in the mutual and national interest,” he said.
