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The sub-committee on public assets in the House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to enhance measures to prevent revenue leakages across its facilities.
During a private meeting with NPA management on Monday in Abuja, the committee's chairman, Rep. Uche Harris Annie-Okonkwo (LP-Anambra), emphasized the need for vigilance in managing public resources.
The sub-committee's role includes investigating the alleged misuse of leases/concessions and public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements within NPA.
The chairman warned NPA management against allowing firms to misappropriate funds intended for the government.
He stated, “While inquiries into the alleged misuse of leases and concessions continue, the committee believes it is essential to exercise caution regarding disclosures of fund diversion and non-adherence to contractual obligations.”
He noted that Truck Transit Limited is allegedly operating in a manual manner, despite its contract requiring the establishment of an automated system for truck parking and access to NPA terminals.
Additionally, he mentioned that a lessee, Intels Nigeria Ltd, which manages five NPA facilities and is reportedly in debt for over $10 million, continues to operate without NPA management making a significant effort to recover the funds.
He highlighted that Starz Marine and Engineering Ltd. is also reportedly in debt for several years without making any remittances.
Annie-Okonkwo urged NPA to intensify its efforts to prevent financial losses to private enterprises.
He warned that the inability to recover these funds and remit them to federal government accounts may be seen as collusion to misappropriate public money.
