The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has inaugurated a National Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate and appraise all Federal Government benefits accruing from port concessionaires and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)-operated ports across the country from 2006 to 2025.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Speaker—represented by Hon. Loari Kwanoti—charged members of the committee to discharge their duties with fairness, courage, and objectivity in their engagement with all relevant stakeholders. He stressed that the assignment goes beyond routine legislative oversight, urging lawmakers to probe deeply into the port concession programme to determine what worked, what failed, and the corrective measures required to ensure optimal outcomes for Nigeria and its citizens.
Hon. Abbas explained that the outcome of the committee’s investigation would guide the 10th House of Representatives under his leadership in making far-reaching recommendations to the Federal Government for effective implementation. According to him, the exercise is aimed at promoting transparency, honesty, and integrity while informing Nigerians of the real benefits—if any—derived from the concession arrangements and NPA-operated ports over the period under review.
The Speaker further noted that the investigation would also identify gaps that may have limited government revenue, operational efficiency, and service delivery within the maritime sector. He tasked committee members to rise above boardroom interests and focus on people-oriented recommendations capable of strengthening governance and improving the lives of Nigerians.
“The House expects a report that reflects diligence, courage, and national interest,” the Speaker said, adding that the findings would help shape future legislative actions and reforms in the maritime sector.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Hon. Kolawale Davidson, assured Nigerians of the panel’s readiness to go the extra mile in fulfilling its mandate. He pledged that the committee would conduct its assignment in a thorough, professional, and transparent manner for the overall benefit of the country.
Hon. Davidson commended Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the committee, promising that the panel would be guided by principles of transparency, honesty, and fairness throughout the investigation and oversight process.
According to the Chairman, the core objective of the committee is to ensure that the Federal Government and Nigerians derive maximum value from the port concession programme. He urged members to approach the task with seriousness and resolve in order to deliver tangible and impactful outcomes.
Observers have described the formal inauguration of the Ad-Hoc Committee as a decisive step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Nigeria’s port operations and the wider maritime sector.
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