Drama unfolded at the House of Representatives as Minister Oyetola’s representative admitted flaws in Nigeria’s multi-billion-dollar cargo tracking agreement, sparking debates over transparency and efficiency in the handling of federal contracts.
In a dramatic session at the House of Representatives on Monday, Minister of Blue and Marine Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, revealed that a multi-billion-dollar cargo tracking agreement entered into by the Federal Government may have been signed in error. The controversial disclosure emerged during an investigative hearing, where Oyetola’s representative, Babatunde Sule, admitted that flaws in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval process have hindered the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Notes (ICTN), an initiative that experts claim could save Nigeria over $500 million per month.
The hearing, led by the House Committee on Shipping Exercises, Customs, Ports and Harbours, and Maritime Safety, revealed mounting concerns about the 2023 contract signed by the previous administration with a consortium led by Antaser Nigeria Limited. The aim of the ICTN project was to enhance transparency in the monitoring of imported and exported goods, including crude oil, through advanced tracking technology. However, Minister Oyetola’s representative argued that the initial approval process was faulty, stating, “The process was even faulty ab initio.”
As Sule presented these findings, lawmakers responded with jeers and skepticism, questioning the Ministry’s credibility and the alleged shortcomings in the deal. Kabir Maipalace, a prominent committee member, openly expressed frustration, saying, “I don’t think you are capable enough to represent the minister. The ministry is not serious.” Lawmakers further raised questions about the minister’s absence from the session, which delayed proceedings by over an hour and nearly led to a halt in the probe.
The issue of transparency came to the forefront as allegations arose about attempts by some officials in the new administration to replace the Antaser-led consortium with investors more aligned with their preferences under the guise of a public-private partnership. This shift, coupled with the absence of critical government officials and limited responses from the Ministry’s representative, has intensified doubts about the integrity of the cargo tracking project.
Antaser Nigeria Limited, represented by its chairman, Emeka Obianozie, asserted that its contract with the government remains valid. Obianozie claimed that recent moves by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to implement similar cargo tracking measures at higher costs could duplicate efforts, burdening the nation with unnecessary expenses and compromising the core transparency goals of the ICTN.
“We informed NSC of the attempt by the Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and Nigerian Customs Service to implement part of ICTN’s scope at a huge cost to the nation,” Obianozie stated, warning that this action risks undermining the ICTN project’s integrity.
Further complicating matters, Frank Tietie, director of Citizens Advocacy for Social Justice in Nigeria (CASER), pointed out a prior attempt by former officials to award the cargo tracking deal to companies outside of the ICTN consortium’s expertise, a move criticized by industry stakeholders for lacking transparency.
The committee, chaired by House Committee Chairman Dasuki, ultimately decided to call for further hearings with all parties involved, aiming to resolve the controversies surrounding the project. With high stakes and questions about accountability, transparency, and efficiency, the ICTN project’s future remains uncertain.
