The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating concession agreements across Nigeria’s air and sea ports has threatened to order the arrest of heads of government agencies and companies that fail to honour its invitations.
Chairman of the committee, Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, issued the warning during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, stating that the panel would invoke constitutional powers to compel compliance from defaulting organisations.
The committee was inaugurated on February 3, 2026, by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, to investigate and appraise the performance and benefits accruing to the Federal Government from concessionaire-operated ports and related shipping activities between 2006 and 2025.
According to Akinlayo, the probe is aimed at examining the terms and conditions of concession agreements, assessing revenue remittances to the Federal Government, evaluating compliance with contractual and safety obligations, and reviewing infrastructural development and operational efficiency across the nation’s port terminals.
He noted that Nigeria’s ports and terminals are strategic national assets that serve as key economic gateways and must be managed with transparency and accountability.
However, the lawmaker lamented that several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have failed to appear before the committee or submit requested documents since the investigation commenced.
Agencies listed by the committee include the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigeria LNG Limited, Integrated Logistics Services Nigeria Limited and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Akinlayo said some agencies that appeared before the committee were unable to provide necessary documents, citing the Nigeria Customs Service as an example.
He warned that the committee would not tolerate what he described as contempt of parliament.
“We will not hesitate to subpoena any disrespectful or uncooperative CEO or head of an MDA. We will not develop cold feet in directing the Inspector-General of Police to arrest any CEO or head of an agency that fails to honour our invitation,” he said.
The lawmaker referenced Sections 89 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution, which empower the National Assembly to summon individuals, issue warrants, and impose sanctions on those who refuse to comply with legislative directives.
Despite the warning, Akinlayo maintained that the committee’s work was not aimed at witch-hunting any organisation but at ensuring transparency, accountability and value for money in the management of Nigeria’s port concession arrangements.
He urged all invited agencies and organisations to appear before the panel and submit relevant documents to enable the committee complete its assignment within the stipulated timeframe.
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