The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has dismissed as false and unfounded, recent online reports alleging multi-billion-naira corruption within the organization, describing the publications as spurious and lacking credibility.
NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
In the comprehensive statement the NPA strongly refuted the claims, providing clarifications across several areas raised in the reports, and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, due process, and national economic advancement.
According to the NPA, its budget and expenditures are under strict supervision by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the National Assembly, thereby rendering any alleged misapplication of budgetary provisions practically impossible.
Reacting specifically to the claims regarding the dredging contract of the Warri Escravos Channel—an essential route for Nigeria’s oil and gas operations—the Authority said the contract became necessary due to excessive siltation threatening vessel movement and was carried out through emergency procurement procedures in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
“The dredging was vital to avert international embarrassment and potential investment losses from grounded vessels,” the statement read.
On the procurement of marine crafts, including tugboats and pilot cutters, the NPA stated that the acquisitions were done in line with due process and were triggered by the urgent need to support crude oil sales to domestic refiners in naira—a move requiring extensive offshore operations to guarantee energy security.
Addressing allegations that official documents had been deliberately withheld for over a year, the NPA said such a claim was “untenable” under existing civil service guidelines which clearly stipulate timelines for document processing. Similarly, it dismissed claims relating to financial transactions at its London office as “outrightly false,” noting that no such dealings occurred as speculated.
The NPA also attributed the marked increase in its 2024 revenue figures to gains from foreign exchange differentials, explaining that its charges are largely denominated in foreign currencies in line with global maritime practice.
In response to criticisms over staff promotions and morale, the NPA revealed that the elevation of Assistant General Managers and General Managers was carried out to address long-standing stagnation issues. It emphasized that the exercise followed approved conditions of service, and that contrary to the claims of low morale, staff sentiment is currently at a high, bolstered by recent promotions and positive feedback from internal labour unions.
The statement further clarified that revocation or continuation of third-party contracts was strictly based on the legal framework and contractual terms agreed with all involved parties.
Highlighting its strategic vision, the Authority announced that it had secured Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the implementation of the Port Modernization Programme. This initiative is expected to enhance port competitiveness and significantly boost vessel and cargo throughput.
The NPA also reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation, stating that it had driven the Port Community System (PCS) to advanced stages, aligning with the Federal Government’s broader National Single Window (NSW) project aimed at process automation across Nigerian ports.
