The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has refuted recent online allegations accusing the agency of multi-billion-naira corruption, describing the claims as “spurious,” “false,” and lacking credibility.
The management of the Authority, in a statement, dismissed the allegations, insisting that its operations, finances, and procurement processes are fully compliant with Nigerian law and subject to rigorous oversight.
According to the NPA, all budgetary provisions and expenditures are under the strict supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the National Assembly, making misappropriation practically impossible.
The Authority also addressed specific claims made in recent publications, particularly regarding the contract for dredging works at the Warri Escravos Channel—a critical hub for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The NPA stated that the dredging contract followed the emergency procurement procedures outlined in the Public Procurement Act, 2007, in response to severe siltation that threatened vessel movement and international confidence.
On the procurement of marine crafts such as tugboats and pilot cutters, the NPA said the purchases were part of Nigeria’s strategic energy policy, which involves selling crude oil in naira to local refiners—a move requiring extensive offshore operations.
According to the agency, the equipment acquisition it maintained followed all legal procurement protocols.
Further, the agency dismissed claims of delayed document processing, explaining that current civil service rules do not permit such prolonged delays.
NPA also described allegations concerning expenditures at the Authority’s London office as entirely fictitious, noting that the reported transactions never occurred.
Addressing internal operations, the Authority attributed the recent increase in revenue figures to gains from foreign exchange, stating that port revenues are denominated in foreign currency in line with global best practices.
The agency also defended its recent promotions and appointments, asserting that the actions aimed to address long-standing stagnation among senior staff and were carried out under the NPA’s conditions of service.
Contrary to accusations of poor staff morale, the NPA pointed to commendations from its in-house labour unions, citing the resolution of long-pending promotion issues and recent examinations as evidence of improved worker satisfaction.
Looking ahead, the Authority highlighted its ongoing Port Modernisation Programme, which recently received approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
NPA also emphasised its continued investment in infrastructure upgrades, equipment renewal, and process automation through the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window (NSW) initiative.
