The House Committee has issued a final warning to NPA, NIMASA, Customs, NUPRC, and others over non-cooperation in the ports concession probe
The House of Representatives’ ad hoc committee investigating the benefits accruing to the federal government from the concessioning of Nigerian ports and terminals has expressed frustration over the refusal of several government agencies and private companies to cooperate with its assignment.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Committee Chairman, Kolawole Akinlayo, said the panel is unhappy that key stakeholders are either ignoring invitations or submitting incomplete documents, hampering the committee’s work.
Agencies and companies yet to fully comply include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), INTELS, and Julius Berger Plc.
Akinlayo warned that the committee may be forced to invoke relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution to compel attendance, including issuing subpoenas or requesting police intervention if necessary.
The committee was established to assess the performance and benefits to the federal government from all concessionaire-operated ports, air and sea terminals, and related shipping activities from 2006 to 2025.
Its mandate includes reviewing concession agreements, evaluating revenue flows and financial benefits, and examining compliance with contractual, regulatory, and safety obligations.
The panel is also tasked with appraising infrastructural development, operational efficiency, service quality, and labor issues, as well as identifying gaps and weaknesses within the concession framework. Its ultimate goal is to formulate actionable recommendations for policy, legislation, and future concessions.
Akinlayo emphasized that the committee is acting in the national interest and will not tolerate obstruction.
“These assets—our seaports, airports, terminals, and jetties—are not ordinary commercial facilities. They are sovereign economic gateways, national security infrastructure, and critical enablers of trade, mobility, and development,” he said.
He noted that while some stakeholders have been cooperative, many important agencies have either refused to appear or failed to provide the necessary documents. “For example, the Nigerian Customs Service appeared before us but did not fully comply with our requests,” Rep. Akinlayo said.
He issued a final warning to the chief executives and heads of the listed agencies and companies, stressing that continued non-compliance would leave them “to blame” for any consequences. The committee intends to use its constitutional powers under Sections 89 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to compel cooperation, which could include fines, subpoenas, or even police enforcement.
Akinlayo clarified that the committee is not conducting a witch-hunt, but insists that Nigerians have a right to know whether concession agreements have delivered value for money, protected public assets, complied with obligations, and contributed to economic growth and employment.
“On behalf of the ad hoc committee and the leadership of the House of Representatives, I appeal to these organisations to comply fully with our invitations. No frivolous excuses will be entertained, as this assignment must be completed on time,” he concluded.
