Drama At House Of Rep As Oyetola’s Representative Claims FG Signed Cargo Project Agreement In Error

A representative of the Minister of Blue and Marine Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has claimed that a multi-billion-dollar cargo tracking agreement entered into by the federal government regarding the International Cargo Tracking Notes (ICTN) was faulty.

A Director in the Ministry of Blue and Marine Economy, Babatunde Sule, who represented Oyetola made the allegation in the House of Representatives on Monday.

He stated this while facing questioning by a House investigative panel looking into the delay in implementing the cargo tracking project, which experts say is costing the country $500 million monthly.

The hearing, organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Shipping Exercises, Customs, Port and Harbour, and Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration, is probing the non-implementation of the contract.

Sule justified the delay, stating that the process approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) was flawed.

Naija News understands that in March 2023, the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari engaged a consortium led by Antaser Nigeria Limited to implement a cargo tracking system for all imports and exports, including crude oil exports.

However, with the change of government, Sahara Reporters learned that some officials of the Bola Tinubu administration are attempting to replace the Antaser-led consortium with their own preferred investors, in the guise of a PPP arrangement using the new DG of ICRC, Jobson Ewaleifoh

The minister’s representative, who had earlier acknowledged the project’s approval by the (FEC) later claimed it was done in error.

“The process was even faulty ab initio. The process that led to this was wrong,” he said, as the lawmakers jeered at his comments.

“The process could have been better than the way it was handled,” Sule added after some of his colleagues whispered to him.

Earlier, he had said, “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.”

Many lawmakers were unimpressed by the representative’s responses, with some questioning his capacity to represent the minister adequately.

“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,” Kabir Maipalace, a committee member, said.