Chinedu Obieze
Nearly two decades after Nigeria handed over its air and seaport terminals to private operators, the House of Representatives has launched a probe to determine a critical question: has the country truly gotten value for money?
At an investigative hearing in Abuja, lawmakers signaled growing concern that the 2006 concession policy—once hailed as a solution to inefficiency and poor infrastructure—may not have fully delivered on its promises.
Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, described the probe as a decisive moment to scrutinize the real impact of the concession regime on Nigeria’s economy.
“This is not just a routine exercise,” Akinlayo said. “We are here to determine whether Nigerians have benefited from these agreements in clear, measurable terms.”
The concession policy was originally designed to attract private investment, modernize facilities, and improve operational efficiency across the aviation and maritime sectors. However, lawmakers say it is now time to examine whether those goals have translated into tangible economic gains.
According to the Committee, the focus will be on performance, transparency, and compliance with contractual obligations—areas that have often raised public concern.
“We will assess performance, identify gaps, and ensure accountability,” Akinlayo stated, adding that operators must provide verifiable evidence of investments and operations.
Despite the scrutiny, industry stakeholders pointed to visible improvements. Lukeman Olaruwanju, Executive Director of Ports and Cargo Terminal at NIMASA, told the Committee that concessionaires have significantly expanded their operational capacity.
He revealed that operators now deploy about 125 trucks, far exceeding the initial requirement of 20, alongside major investments in cargo-handling equipment such as forklifts, reach stackers, and terminal tractors.
Olaruwanju also highlighted upgrades in infrastructure, digital systems, cybersecurity, and workforce development—investments he said run into millions of dollars.
But for lawmakers, the key issue remains whether these improvements justify the concessions granted and whether the Federal Government is receiving fair returns.
The ongoing probe is expected to bring more stakeholders under scrutiny as the House moves toward a comprehensive report that could reshape the future of port concession agreements in Nigeria.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.