The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee probing the performance of concessionaire-operated ports has issued a stern warning to key government agencies, threatening to deploy its constitutional powers to compel their appearance if they continue to ignore its summons.
The committee, which is investigating the benefits accruing to the Federal Government from the concession of the nation’s seaports to private operators, said some Ministries, Departments and Agencies have repeatedly failed to honour invitations and submit critical documents required for the investigation.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, the Chairman of the committee, Kolawale Akinlayo, expressed concern over what he described as the “uncooperative attitude” of certain government institutions toward the ongoing probe.
According to him, the committee had written several invitations requesting relevant agencies to provide documents and appear before the panel to clarify issues relating to the management and operation of the concessioned ports. However, some of the agencies had either failed to respond or had not provided the required information.
The agencies specifically mentioned by the committee include the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
Akinlayo warned that the committee would not hesitate to enforce its constitutional powers if the agencies continue to disregard the invitations extended to them.
He said the leadership of the agencies had been given what he described as a “final opportunity” to cooperate with the committee by appearing before it and submitting all relevant documentation relating to their roles in the port concession framework.
“The committee is working under the mandate of the House of Representatives to thoroughly investigate the performance of concessionaire-operated ports and determine whether the Federal Government is receiving the full benefits expected from the arrangement,” Akinlayo said.
He noted that the success of the investigation largely depends on the willingness of the agencies involved to provide accurate records and clarify operational procedures surrounding port concessions.
According to him, the refusal or delay in submitting documents would significantly hinder the committee’s ability to carry out a transparent and comprehensive review of the concession system.
Akinlayo emphasised that the investigation was not intended to witch-hunt any agency but rather to ensure accountability and improve the management of Nigeria’s strategic maritime infrastructure.
He explained that the committee’s task includes examining the terms of concession agreements, evaluating compliance by concessionaires, and assessing the financial and operational gains accruing to the government since the ports were handed over to private operators.
The lawmaker added that the House of Representatives expects all relevant agencies to cooperate fully with the panel in the interest of transparency, good governance, and national economic development.
He further warned that failure to appear before the committee or provide the requested documents could force the panel to invoke its constitutional powers to compel attendance.
Such powers, he explained, include issuing summons and other legal instruments available to legislative committees conducting oversight functions.
Akinlayo stressed that the committee remains committed to completing its assignment diligently and ensuring that the port concession programme delivers maximum benefits to the Nigerian government and its citizens.
He therefore urged the affected agencies to seize what he described as the final opportunity to comply with the committee’s request, warning that any further delay would leave the panel with no option but to take stronger measures to enforce its mandate.
