The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has dismissed allegations of corruption, asserting that its financial operations are tightly regulated, making any misuse of budgetary funds implausible.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, NPA’s General Manager for Corporate and Strategic Communications, emphasized that the Authority’s budget and expenditures are closely supervised by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Budget Office, and the National Assembly.
Onyemekara clarified that the dredging of the Warri Escravos Channel was essential due to deteriorating conditions that threatened maritime safety and oil and gas operations. He noted that the contract followed emergency procurement procedures in accordance with the Public Procurement Act of 2007, countering claims circulated in online media.
He described online reports alleging multi-billion-naira corruption as unfounded and misleading, affirming that the Authority maintains a transparent financial process under federal oversight.
He further explained that the procurement of marine vessels was conducted lawfully to meet urgent national energy security needs, particularly to support offshore operations related to domestic crude oil sales.
Regarding claims of document suppression, Onyemekara said such assertions were baseless, citing civil service guidelines that govern processing timelines. He also dismissed allegations of questionable transactions at the NPA’s London office, stating no such activities occurred.
The NPA, he said, experienced increased revenues in 2024 largely due to foreign exchange gains, as port charges are pegged to international currencies.
He added that the revocation of third-party contracts complied with legal standards and respected existing agreements.
Onyemekara also addressed recent staff promotions, including the appointment of new General Managers, explaining they were in line with internal processes to resolve age-related stagnation. He said staff morale has improved, with in-house unions commending the leadership for resolving longstanding promotion issues and conducting the 2024 promotion examinations.
To improve competitiveness and increase cargo throughput, he said the NPA secured approval from the Federal Executive Council for its Port Modernisation Programme.
Encouraging transparency, Onyemekara urged media outlets to verify information directly with the Authority, which, he said, remains committed to open and constructive engagement.
He concluded by reaffirming the current management’s dedication, under Abubakar Dantsoho’s leadership, to modernizing Nigeria’s ports through infrastructure and equipment upgrades.