Drama in House of Reps as Oyetola Claims FG Signed Cargo Tracking Agreement “in Error”

A tense session unfolded in Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Monday as Minister of Blue and Marine Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, represented by a ministry director, Babatunde Sule, claimed that the federal government’s cargo tracking agreement was signed “in error.” The $500 million monthly International Cargo Tracking Notes (ICTN) project, intended to monitor imports and exports including crude oil, has faced severe delays and scrutiny.

The House Committee on Shipping Exercises, Customs, Port and Harbour, and Maritime Safety convened to investigate the non-implementation of the ICTN, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March 2023 under the Buhari administration. The contract had been awarded to a consortium led by Antaser Nigeria Limited. However, Oyetola, represented by Sule, told lawmakers that the process initially approved was flawed. “The process was even faulty ab initio. The process that led to this was wrong,” he stated, a comment that met with jeers from the committee members.

Sule’s conflicting statements raised concerns among lawmakers, many of whom felt the minister should have been present to address the committee directly. Kabir Maipalace, a member of the committee, criticized the ministry’s apparent lack of preparation. “I don’t think you are capable enough to represent the minister; you don’t even have any information about the issue. The ministry is not serious,” Maipalace commented.

The probe has also revealed tensions regarding control over the cargo tracking scheme. Sources allege that with the change in administration, some officials within President Bola Tinubu’s government are exploring ways to replace the Antaser-led consortium with other investors through a public-private partnership (PPP). Jobson Ewaleifoh, the new Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), is reportedly involved in efforts to implement a fresh procurement process, casting doubt on the existing contract’s viability.

Representatives from Antaser’s consortium, led by chairman Emeka Obianozie, testified, claiming that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) are attempting to launch a similar service, leading to unnecessary duplication and increased costs. “The hush move, if allowed, will amount to duplication, mediocrity, unnecessary costs, and, more importantly, abuse of the project by inadvertently compromising the transparency which is the cardinal pillar of the service scheme,” Obianozie stated. He insisted that Antaser’s contract remains valid, noting the consortium’s global network outreach in trade monitoring and cargo inspections.

The session saw an additional delay when Minister Oyetola was initially absent, prompting a one-hour recess to allow him or a senior representative to attend. Minister of Finance Wale Edun attempted to intervene on Oyetola’s behalf but was asked by the committee to leave, underscoring the representatives’ insistence on a direct response from the Ministry of Blue and Marine Economy.

The House Committee plans further hearings to delve deeper into the ICTN contract’s execution and the implications of potential duplication. The investigation highlights ongoing concerns about the transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of Nigeria’s maritime and oil cargo tracking initiatives.