The House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation has assured port stakeholders that it is ready to collaborate with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, to expedite the renewal of port concession agreements.
Speaking during an oversight visit to the terminal of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, the committee’s chairman, Engineer Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari, emphasized the committee’s commitment to ensuring that all federal government concessioned assets are operating at their best.
Chidari highlighted the importance of the oversight visit as a crucial part of the committee’s duties. He explained, “Our responsibility is to work with various government agencies and ministries to ensure that the government’s concessioned assets are performing optimally, delivering significant returns to both the government and private investors. We also strive to remove any obstacles that may hinder the smooth operation of these assets.”
Addressing the issue of the concession renewal, Chidari assured that the committee would leverage its strong working relationship with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to resolve the contract renewal swiftly. “We understand the significance of this renewal to your business, and I assure you that the government will not let this process drag on. The current administration is committed to creating an environment where businesses can thrive, thereby boosting the economy. We will work closely with the Minister to address any concerns regarding the concession renewal,” he added.
John Jenkins, Managing Director of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, welcomed the delegation and expressed his gratitude for their visit. He noted that the terminal operator and its parent company, SIFAX Group, have significantly contributed to the nation’s economic growth through excellent service delivery, job creation, and various corporate social responsibility initiatives benefiting thousands of underprivileged Nigerians.
Jenkins emphasized that renewing the terminal’s concession agreement would enable the company to implement its development plans, which aim to position the terminal among the best port facilities globally.
The oversight visit also included officials from the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), who accompanied the committee members.
