The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Blue Economy and Transport, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, to address concerns over the handling of port infrastructure concessions in the country. The summons was issued during a meeting between the House Committee on Privatization and Commercialization and representatives from seaport terminal operators in Abuja.
Rep. Ibrahim Hamisu, the committee chairman, expressed reservations about the methodology employed in the concession process for seaport terminals. Joining Oyetola in the summons are the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Muhammed Koko, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprise, Mr. Mamman Ahmadu, and the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr. Michael Ohiani.
Hamisu highlighted that the poor handling of the concession process has resulted in five companies operating for three years without the renewal of their operating licenses, leading to substantial revenue losses for the Federal Government. He emphasized the need to address the prolonged renewal process to attract investments in critical 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,” Hamisu stated. “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.”
The chairman expressed the committee’s intention to bring all stakeholders together to swiftly address these concerns in a mutually beneficial and national interest. The summoning of key officials underscores the urgency to resolve the issues surrounding the port concession process and ensure transparency and accountability.
The House’s intervention aims to facilitate a resolution that will not only streamline the renewal process but also create an enabling environment for investments in Nigeria’s port infrastructure. By addressing the concerns raised, the committee hopes to safeguard the nation’s revenue interests while promoting economic growth and development.
Source Reps summon Blue Economy Minister over port concession. Published in Vanguard.