Reps Set To Probe Nigerian Ports Concessions

Posted by African Examiner Business News, Maritime Wednesday, November 13th, 2013

The House of Representatives on mandated its Committees on Privatization and Commercialization, Public procurement, Commerce, Marine Transport and customs to commence investigation into activities of concessionaires at Nigerian ports.

This resolution emanated from a motion moved by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso (PDP-Imo) which was adopted without debate.

The concessioning of Nigerian seaports through the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), and handing over of the certificates of operations to the concessionaires was carried out in 2006.

He said the concessioning programme was aimed at ensuring facilitation of trade and greater efficiency in cargo handling and service delivery at the ports.

The Legislator expressed dismay over the incessant decay of infrastructure, poor service delivery and arbitrary charges in the name of demurrage.

He noted that the Nigeria Customs Service, saddled with the responsibility of collection of duties on imported goods, is faced with operational challenges caused by the concessionaires.

“The unsatisfactory performances of concessionaires at Nigerian seaports unnecessarily increase the cost of clearing goods,” he said.

Meanwhile, the House has urged the Federal Government to immortalize the name of late Olusegun Agagu for his contributions to the power sector and Nigeria in general.

This resolution followed a motion moved by Rep. Muraina Ajibola (PDP-Oyo), and four other members which was unanimously adopted.

According to Ajibola, the late Agagu, established countless projects in Ondo State and contributed to the growth of the aviation sector.

“Considering his numerous achievements and contributions to the development of Ondo State and Nigeria, the late Agagu deserves to be immortalized,” he said.