Reps Threaten Sanctions Over Non-Compliance In Port Concession Probe

The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the benefits accruing to the federal government from the concessioning of the nation’s ports and terminals has warned several government agencies and private firms to cooperate with its investigation into port concession agreements or face possible sanctions.

The chairman of the ad hoc committee, Kolawole Akinlayo, said that some organisations had repeatedly ignored invitations to appear before lawmakers or failed to submit documents required for the probe.

The investigation is examining the performance and benefits accruing to the federal government from concessioned ports, including air and sea terminals, and related shipping activities between 2006 and 2025.

“Agencies and companies mentioned by the committee include the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigeria LNG Limited, INTELS Nigeria Limited and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.”

Akinlayo said some agencies had appeared before the committee but failed to provide complete documentation requested by lawmakers.

He warned that the committee would not tolerate what he described as contempt for parliament and could invoke constitutional powers to compel compliance.

According to him, the committee may issue subpoenas or direct the Nigeria Police Force to arrest any chief executive officer or agency head who refuses to honour its invitation.

The lawmaker said the committee’s work was not intended to target any organisation but to ensure accountability and transparency in port concession agreements.

He added that although some stakeholders had cooperated with the investigation, others had continued to delay the process by failing to provide the required information.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji