The House of Representatives, on Friday expressed displeasure over the absence of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Abubakar Dantsoho, during an oversight visit to the authority’s headquarters in Lagos.
Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee investigating the performance and benefits accruing to the Federal government from concessionaire-operated ports (2006–2025), Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, expressed the concern via a statement made available to parliamentary correspondents in Abuja.
Giving an update on the aborted oversight function which took place on Thursday, Hon. Akinlayo explained that the ad-hoc committee had “formally communicated its intention to engage with the management of the NPA in line with its constitutional mandate under House Resolution HR. 130/12/2025.
“However, upon arrival at the Authority’s headquarters, members were informed of the unavailability of the Managing Director, with no immediate alternative arrangement provided for the engagement.
“While the Committee considers this development unexpected—given the pivotal regulatory and supervisory role of the NPA in Nigeria’s port concession framework—it remains undeterred in its resolve to carry out its assignment thoroughly and objectively.
“This investigation is a matter of national importance. It is aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and the maximisation of economic benefits to the Federal government and the Nigerian people from port concession agreements spanning nearly two decades.
“The Committee emphasizes that all relevant institutions, including the NPA, are expected to cooperate fully with this process in the spirit of democratic accountability and institutional responsibility.”
Despite the seeming setback, Hon. Akinlayo emphasised that the committee has continued its engagements with key industry stakeholders, including major terminal operators such as ENL Consortium, APM Terminals, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited, and Five Star Logistics Limited, all of whom have provided valuable insights into their operations and compliance with concession agreements.
To this end, he assured Nigerians that the ad-hoc committee will “reschedule its engagement with the NPA and expects full cooperation going forward.
“The success of this probe depends on the collective willingness of all stakeholders to provide accurate information and subject themselves to due legislative scrutiny.
“The Committee remains committed to delivering a comprehensive report that will guide policy reforms, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and ensure that Nigeria’s maritime sector operates in the best interest of the nation,” he assured.