The House of Representatives summoned the Minister of Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola; Transportation Minister, Saidu Alkali, on Tuesday, regarding the management of port infrastructure concessions in the country.
Rep. Ibrahim Hamisu, the Chairman of the House Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, raised concerns about the methodology employed in the concession of seaport terminals.
Others summoned were: the Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mr Muhammed Koko, and the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprise, Mr Mamman Ahmadu.
Also summoned was the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr Michael Ohiani.
Hamisu said the poor handling of the concession process had led to the five companies operating for three years without renewal of their operating licenses, adding that the development had resulted in loss of huge revenue to the Federal Government.
The chairman said there was a need to address the prolonged renewal process to attract investments into critical port infrastructure.
“From the brief we received from the affected parties and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) involved in the process, we now understand what is happening.
“What is outstanding in concluding the process that started over 5 years ago is the execution of the negotiated Supplementary Agreements for the respective terminals.
“That is why we invited all stakeholders to see how we can work together to quickly address these concerns in the mutual and national interest,” he said.
