A representative of the Minister of Blue and Marine Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has raised concerns regarding a multi-billion-dollar agreement made by the federal government for the International Cargo Tracking Notes (ICTN), labeling it as flawed. This claim was made during a session of the House of Representatives on Monday, where Babatunde Sule, a Director in the Ministry, represented Oyetola before a House investigative panel scrutinizing the delays in the implementation of the cargo tracking project, which experts estimate is costing Nigeria approximately $500 million each month.
The hearing was organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Shipping, Customs, Ports and Harbors, Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration, with the goal of investigating the reasons behind the contract’s non-implementation. The committee sought to understand why the cargo tracking project, which is deemed critical for managing Nigeria's import and export processes, has not yet been operationalized.
During the proceedings, Sule explained the rationale behind the delays, asserting that the process approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) was fundamentally flawed. He elaborated that the contract was awarded to a consortium led by Antaser Nigeria Limited in March 2023 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. This consortium was tasked with implementing a comprehensive cargo tracking system that encompasses all imports and exports, including crude oil exports, which are significant to Nigeria's economy.
However, as the political landscape shifted with the new administration, it was reported by Sahara Reporters that some officials within the Bola Tinubu government have sought to replace the Antaser-led consortium with alternative investors under the guise of a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. This alleged move involves Jobson Ewaleifoh, the new Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Sule, while acknowledging the project’s approval by the FEC, later retracted this statement, indicating that it had been made in error. “The process was even faulty ab initio. The process that led to this was wrong,” he stated, as lawmakers expressed disbelief and jeered at his remarks. He further added, “The process could have been better than the way it was handled,” after some of his colleagues prompted him to clarify his statements.
Earlier in the session, Sule mentioned, “I am aware of the contract. I am also aware that it was given to five companies. I learned that four of the companies signed an agreement, with the fifth not signing, and I think that was what stalled this whole process.” This explanation did not satisfy many lawmakers, who were visibly unimpressed by the representative’s performance. Some members of the committee expressed doubt about his competence to adequately represent the minister in such a significant matter.
One committee member, Kabir Maipalace, openly criticized Sule’s ability to fulfill his role, stating, “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. The minister did not show up, the permanent secretary did not show up, and you who are here do not have first-hand information.” This comment highlighted the growing frustration among lawmakers regarding the lack of accountability and transparency in the ministry concerning the critical cargo tracking initiative.