Lawmakers extend deadline for concession documents in ports and airports probe
The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee has granted a seven-day extension to government agencies and private operators to submit documents related to concession agreements in Nigeria’s air and seaport sectors. The extension was announced by committee chairman Kolawole Akinlayo during a public hearing attended by major regulatory bodies and concessionaires. The committee is reviewing agreements covering operations from 2006 to 2025 to ensure transparency and accountability. Lawmakers emphasised that the investigation is not a witch-hunt but a constitutional responsibility to assess the value delivered by these concessions.
What we know
- The committee initially set a 72-hour deadline for submissions but extended it by seven days after appeals from stakeholders, with the new deadline set for close of business next Friday.
- Agencies and concessionaires present included the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, and major terminal operators like Dangote Group and Julius Berger.
- Kolawole Akinlayo stated that the committee already has substantial records from agencies for 2006 to 2025 and needs corresponding submissions from concessionaires for accuracy.
- The panel warned that failure to submit documents within the stipulated time could lead to escalation and possible referral to appropriate authorities.
- The investigation aims to determine if the concession agreements over the past 19 years have provided measurable value and met contractual obligations.
