By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has denied allegations of multi-billion-naira corruption, describing them as false and without credibility. The NPA’s management wishes to clarify all the issues raised in some online publications.
In a statement signed by the agency’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, explained that the Authority’s budget and expenditure are subject to the strict supervision of the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the comprehensive oversight of the National Assembly. This makes the allegation of misapplication of budgetary provisions impossible.
The statement also clarified that contract for dredging works at the Warri Escravos Channel followed laid-down processes and procedures for emergency procurement as laid down in the Procurement Act, 2007. The procurement of marine crafts such as tugboats and pilot cutters was carried out in line with the provisions of the Procurement Act, 2007.
The allegation of documents being withheld “for over a year” is untenable, as the extant civil service guidelines governing the timeline for processing official documents makes it impossible. Allegations made in connection with expenditures at the Authority’s London office are outrightly false, as there were no dealings or transactions speculated in the report.
” The marked increase in revenue figures for 2024 was due to exchange rate gains, since the Authority’s revenues are denominated in FOREX in line with global maritime best practice. “The promotion of employees, as well as the appointment of Assistant General Managers and General Managers, were undertaken to address the age stagnation of personnel in the Authority.
” The management followed due process as prescribed in the Authority’s duly approved conditions of service. Revocation or otherwise of third-party contractual agreements of the Authority were in accordance with extant law as well as contractual agreements with all the concerned parties.
It further stated that the NPA has secured Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the commencement of the Port Modernization Programme to sustainably assure the competitiveness of Nigerian Ports and grow vessel and cargo throughput. The Authority’s management assures all stakeholders and the generality of Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to deepening the competitiveness of Nigerian Ports.
The NPA advises all media organizations to seek clarification of their reports from the Authority, whose doors are open to constructive engagements and clarifications where necessary.
