House of Representatives Moves to Probe Performance of Concessioned Air and Sea Port Terminals

House of Representatives Moves to Probe Performance of Concessioned Air and Sea Port Terminals

At Tuesday’s plenary session, the House of Representatives witnessed a major step toward strengthening accountability in Nigeria’s maritime and aviation sectors as Hon. Barr. Harrison Anozie Nwadike, member representing Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele Federal Constituency, sponsored a motion of urgent national importance calling for a comprehensive investigation into all concessionaire-operated port terminals across the country.

The motion seeks to examine and appraise the performance, operations, and benefits accruing to the Federal Government from concessioned air and sea port terminals, as well as related inbound and outbound shipping activities from 2006 to 2025.

Hon. Nwadike noted that nearly two decades have passed since Nigeria adopted concessioning as a key strategy to improve port efficiency, promote private-sector participation, and boost government revenue. Despite these intentions, he stressed the need for a detailed review to determine whether the objectives have been met.

According to him, the investigation is necessary to address concerns over transparency, revenue leakages, operational inefficiencies, and the overall economic value these concessions have delivered to the nation. He argued that with Nigeria’s ports serving as vital gateways for trade, it is imperative to ensure they are operating optimally and contributing meaningfully to national development.

The motion, which received widespread support on the floor of the House, mandates the relevant committees to conduct a thorough appraisal covering financial remittances, contractual compliance, infrastructural development, and the impact of concessioning on trade facilitation.

The approved motion, once implemented, is expected to lead to an investigation that will provide lawmakers with crucial insights to guide reforms aimed at improving port operations, strengthening regulatory oversight, and maximizing government revenue.

The speaker further constituted adhoc committees , named Hon Barr Harrison Anozie Nwadike as the deputy chairman, expected to begin their investigative work in the coming weeks.