Probe: Reps threaten arrest of MDA heads

By Gift ChapiOdekina,Abuja 

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating concession agreements covering Nigeria’s seaports and airport terminals has warned federal agencies and companies to honour its invitations or risk arrest.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Kolawole Akinlayo, issued the warning while briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday, expressing concern over the failure of some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to appear before the panel or submit critical documents needed for the investigation.

The committee was inaugurated on February 3, 2026, by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, to examine concession agreements between the Federal Government and private operators from 2006 to 2025.

Akinlayo explained that the panel is mandated to review the terms of the agreements, assess revenue remittances to government agencies, evaluate compliance with regulatory and safety obligations, and determine the overall impact of the concessions on infrastructure development, operational efficiency and labour conditions.

He stressed that the assets under review are of strategic national importance.

“Our seaports, airports, terminals and jetties are not just commercial facilities; they are critical national assets and economic gateways that support trade, mobility and development,” he said.

The lawmaker, however, lamented the lack of cooperation from some agencies, noting that their failure to submit relevant records has slowed the committee’s work.

“More than one month into this assignment, we are still struggling to get some Ministries, Departments and Agencies to appear before the committee and provide the information required for us to complete our work within the stipulated time,” he said.

According to him, although some stakeholders have appeared before the committee, many have either ignored invitations or failed to submit complete documentation.

He cited the Nigerian Customs Service as one of the agencies that appeared but did not fully comply with the committee’s requests.

The committee also named the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigeria LNG Limited, Intels Nigeria Limited and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc among organisations expected to cooperate with the investigation.

Akinlayo warned that the panel would not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers against any agency that continues to disregard parliamentary summons.

“This is the last warning to the chief executive officers and heads of these agencies to change their attitude toward the committee,” he said.

“We will not hesitate to issue subpoenas to any uncooperative official. If necessary, the committee will direct the Inspector General of Police to arrest any chief executive officer or head of an MDA that refuses to honour our invitation.”

He noted that the National Assembly is empowered under Sections 89 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to summon individuals, request documents and enforce compliance in the course of its oversight functions.

The chairman emphasised that the probe was not aimed at targeting any organisation but at ensuring accountability in the management of critical national assets.

According to him, the investigation is intended to determine whether the concession arrangements have delivered value for the country.

“We are not witch-hunting anyone, but Nigerians deserve to know whether these concessions have delivered value for money, complied with contractual obligations, protected public assets and contributed meaningfully to economic growth and revenue generation,” he said.

Akinlayo disclosed that the committee has so far held preliminary engagements with agencies and stakeholders within the port concession ecosystem.

He said many concessionaires had submitted some documents requested by the committee, but most of the submissions were incomplete.

According to him, several agencies only provided records covering the period between 2020 and 2025, instead of the full range of documents requested from 2006.

The lawmaker noted that the absence of comprehensive documentation has prevented the committee from commencing its full investigation.

He stressed that the Nigerian Ports Authority, as the custodian of the country’s port infrastructure, is expected to provide detailed records covering the entire concession period.

“The ports are under the purview of the Nigerian Ports Authority. We need all documents from 2006 to 2025. Without those records, it will be difficult for the committee to carry out its mandate,” he said.

Akinlayo added that while the committee is currently focusing on seaport terminals, it also plans to extend the investigation to airport terminal concessions.

He dismissed claims that current agency heads may not have access to documents relating to agreements signed before they assumed office.

According to him, government institutions operate continuity systems and should be able to retrieve records through their archives.

“Government is not built around individuals. When you hold public office, you hold it in trust for the people, and the actions taken while in that office can be examined at any time,” he said.

He insisted that the committee expects full cooperation from all agencies and organisations involved so the investigation can be concluded within the timeframe set by the House.

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