NPA Dismisses Multi-billion Naira Corruption Allegation
DANTSOHO, MD, NPA
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has described as “false, baseless and unfounded” allegation of any involvement in a multi-billion-naira corruption case.
The organization in a statement issued by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said that all the issues in reference were without proof and credibility.
Onyemekara in the statement explained that the agency’s budget and expenditure processes have always been 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, adding that this makes it impossible for any misapplication of budgetary provisions to take place.
He also clarified that contract for dredging works at the Warri Escravos Channel followed laid-down processes and procedures for emergency procurement as provided for in the Procurement Act, 2007.
He added that the procurement of marine crafts such as tugboats and pilot cutters was carried out in line with the provisions of the Procurement Act, 2007.
He also dismissed the allegation of documents being withheld “for over a year,” explaining that the extant civil service guidelines governing the timeline for processing official documents has no provision for it.
He equally described as false the allegation in respect of the expenditures at the Authority’s London office, saying there were no dealings or transactions speculated in the report.
According to the statement, ” 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 practices.”
On the promotion of employees, including the appointment of Assistant General Managers and General Managers, the statement explained these were undertaken to address the challenge of 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”, the statement said.
The statement added that the organization has secured Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval to commence the Port Modernization Programme to ensure the competitiveness of Nigerian Ports and grow vessel and cargo throughput.
The Authority’s management assured all stakeholders and the generality of Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to deepening the competitiveness of Nigerian Ports.
To avoid misinforming stakeholders and the general public, going forward, the NPA advised all media organizations to seek clarification of their reports from the Authority since the doors are always open to constructive engagements and clarifications where necessary.
The organization in a statement issued by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said that all the issues in reference were without proof and credibility.
Onyemekara in the statement explained that the agency’s budget and expenditure processes have always been 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, adding that this makes it impossible for any misapplication of budgetary provisions to take place.
He also clarified that contract for dredging works at the Warri Escravos Channel followed laid-down processes and procedures for emergency procurement as provided for in the Procurement Act, 2007.
He added that the procurement of marine crafts such as tugboats and pilot cutters was carried out in line with the provisions of the Procurement Act, 2007.
He also dismissed the allegation of documents being withheld “for over a year,” explaining that the extant civil service guidelines governing the timeline for processing official documents has no provision for it.
He equally described as false the allegation in respect of the expenditures at the Authority’s London office, saying there were no dealings or transactions speculated in the report.
According to the statement, ” 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 practices.”
On the promotion of employees, including the appointment of Assistant General Managers and General Managers, the statement explained these were undertaken to address the challenge of 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”, the statement said.
The statement added that the organization has secured Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval to commence the Port Modernization Programme to ensure the competitiveness of Nigerian Ports and grow vessel and cargo throughput.
The Authority’s management assured all stakeholders and the generality of Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to deepening the competitiveness of Nigerian Ports.
To avoid misinforming stakeholders and the general public, going forward, the NPA advised all media organizations to seek clarification of their reports from the Authority since the doors are always open to constructive engagements and clarifications where necessary.
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