The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee examining concession agreements in Nigeria’s air and seaport sectors has granted a seven-day extension to government agencies and private operators to submit required documentation covering operations from 2006 to 2025.

The directive was issued on Friday in Abuja by the Chairman of the committee, Mr Kolawole Akinlayo, during a public hearing attended by major regulatory bodies and concessionaires.

Those present included the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

Prominent terminal operators and concessionaires such as Dangote Group, Julius Berger, Joseph Dam, West Africa Container Terminal, Tincan Terminal, ECM Terminal, Ibeto Terminal and Apm Terminals were also represented, alongside other industry stakeholders.

The committee had initially fixed a 72-hour deadline for submissions. However, after appeals from stakeholders during the interactive session, the panel shifted the deadline to close of business next Friday.

Akinlayo said the extension was granted in good faith and urged all affected parties to treat it with urgency.

According to him, the committee already possesses substantial records from relevant agencies for the period under review but requires corresponding documentation from concessionaires to ensure balance and accuracy.

“We have data from 2006 to 2025. What we need now is your own submission to compare with what has already been submitted to us by the agencies. We cannot rely on one-sided information. You must also present your records,” he stated.

He warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe would leave the committee with little choice but to escalate the matter.

“Any organisation that fails to comply within the stipulated period will leave us with no option. Once we adopt the information before us and you have not made your submission, we may refer the matter to the appropriate authorities for further action,” he cautioned.

The chairman further directed that chief executives and heads of the concerned agencies must appear before the panel at the expiration of the ultimatum to address discrepancies and defend their records.

He emphasised that the exercise is a constitutional responsibility of the legislature and not an attempt to witch-hunt any organisation.

“This is not a witch-hunt. We are here to work for the benefit of Nigeria. Asking for these submissions is even in your interest because it gives you the opportunity to clarify your position,” he added.

Akinlayo also disclosed that a standard reporting template had been attached to the committee’s correspondence to guide submissions and ensure uniformity.

The Deputy Chairman of the committee, Harrison Anozie, said the investigation would be strictly evidence-driven and anchored on the terms contained in the concession agreements.

“When you speak, you must speak to documents. We will rely on facts as contained in the agreements and your submissions. If you claim any agency stopped you from carrying out your obligations, show us the written evidence,” Anozie said.

He reminded concessionaires that the agreements were voluntarily executed and came with clearly defined obligations.

“No one forced you into these agreements. You signed them and committed to specific improvements in the facilities assigned to you. Those obligations are clearly stated. Where you have done well in line with your agreement, you will be commended. Where you have not, the facts will speak for themselves,” he stated.

Anozie noted that the substantive phase of the hearing would begin once all submissions have been received and thoroughly analysed against industry data already available to the committee.

Nigeria began concessioning major port terminals in 2006 as part of a broad reform programme aimed at modernising the maritime sector, improving efficiency, and reducing congestion at the nation’s ports. Private operators were granted long-term leases to manage cargo terminals, invest in infrastructure upgrades and improve service delivery, while the Federal Government retained ownership of the facilities through the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Similar public-private partnership arrangements have also been introduced in segments of the aviation sector, particularly in airport terminal management and infrastructure development, under regulatory supervision.

Nearly two decades after the commencement of the port concession programme, questions have emerged in policy circles about the extent to which the agreements have delivered optimal returns to the Federal Government and improved operational standards. Concerns have also been raised regarding revenue remittances, compliance with investment obligations, and adherence to performance benchmarks contained in the original contracts.

Against this backdrop, the House of Representatives constituted the ad-hoc committee to undertake a comprehensive review of concession arrangements spanning

2006 to 2025. The probe is expected to assess financial benefits accruing to government, evaluate infrastructural improvements carried out by operators, and determine whether contractual terms have been fully honoured.

Lawmakers maintain that the exercise is part of the National Assembly’s oversight mandate to ensure transparency, accountability and value for money in public-private partnerships involving critical national infrastructure.

The committee reiterated that its objective is to ensure that concession agreements over the past 19 years have delivered measurable value to the Federal Government and strengthened operations across Nigeria’s ports, airports and terminals. (The PUNCH)