Reps extend probe of airport, seaport concessions

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The Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating airport and seaport concession agreements, Kolawole Akinlayo, has explained why the panel is yet to submit its report to the House, saying it is still carrying out extensive investigations into the operations of key stakeholders covered by its mandate.

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Akinlayo, who represents Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido Osi Federal Constituency of Ekiti State, disclosed this in an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday in Abuja.

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The House of Representatives, in February 2026, inaugurated the ad-hoc committee to investigate all federal airport and seaport concession agreements executed between 2006 and 2025.

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The probe is aimed at determining the level of compliance with contractual obligations, assessing revenue remittances to the government, and evaluating the impact of the agreements on infrastructure development across the country’s aviation and maritime sectors.

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Since its inauguration, the committee has held a series of investigative sessions with government agencies, concessionaires, and other stakeholders involved in the management of airport and port facilities.

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Providing an update on the progress of the exercise, Akinlayo said the committee had made significant headway and was close to concluding the first phase of its assignment. He said, “We are almost done with terminal operators. We still have the shipping companies and airports remaining.”

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According to the lawmaker, the panel is currently reviewing submissions and engagements involving terminal operators before proceeding to the next phase of the investigation, which will focus on shipping companies and airport concession arrangements.

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While declining to give a specific date for the submission of the committee’s report, he expressed confidence that the probe would be concluded within the next few months. “In two months from now, we should be done with our investigation,” he added.

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The committee is expected to resume its activities when the House reconvenes from its legislative break on July 7. The investigation has drawn participation from several key government agencies and industry stakeholders, reflecting the strategic importance of the aviation and maritime sectors to the nation’s economy.

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Among the agencies involved in the probe are the Nigerian Ports Authority, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

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The committee is also engaging major private sector operators and concessionaires, including Dangote Group, APM Terminals, and construction firm Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, among others.

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The outcome of the investigation is expected to provide lawmakers with a comprehensive assessment of nearly two decades of concession agreements and recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and value for money in the management of critical transport infrastructure.

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