Headlines
NPA keeps mum over missing concession fund
—-as PBE indicts agency
Eyewitness reporter
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has kept sealed lips over the damning allegation surrounding the missing $678.4m(32billion) accrued concession funds.
The Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF), Adolphus Aghughu, in the 2016 audited report of the 2006 concession programme of the Federal government, had accused the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) of not remitting the amount to the federation account.
In a swift reaction to the allegation, the BPE absolved itself of the missing money, asking the AuGF and the Senate, which is probing the scandal, to hold the NPA accountable for the missing fund.
In its written response to the Senate panel, the BPE explained that the concession transactions were done in 2005 and the concession agreement executed clearly showed that the BPE was only a confirming party while the primary party to the concessions was the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).
The agency also insisted that the responsibility for such collection was that of NPA and not that of BPE
“Having midwifed the concession transactions, the BPE collected some of the remittances to the NPA.
“The NPA has since acknowledged the transfer made regarding the rentals received on its behalf by the Bureau.
“Revenue accruing on the ports concession have, beyond 2008, been paid directly to ‘landlord’ (NPA) and not the BPE as the OAuGF report appears to allege.
“We are, therefore, unaware of the $679.4 million.”
Stakeholders are however asking the NPA authority to clear the air on the controversial missing money, adding that the silence of the agency is uncharitable, given the allegation of the PBE.
Meanwhile, the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) has begun an investigation to unravel the alleged missing concession funds.
According to the AuGF query, 23 companies were granted concessional rent at various ports under the NPA for 10 years and above at an associated yearly rent of $679.4 million payable to NPA as at December 31.
The AuGF alleged that there was no evidence to show that $679 million was collected as at when due and remitted to Consolidated Revenue Fund.
The AuGF query reads: “Twenty-three companies were granted concessional rent of various ports under Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for 10 years and above with associated yearly rent of $679,403,172.00 payable to NPA as at December 31, 2016.
“There is no evidence to show that $679,403,172.00 was collected as at when due and remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
“This has been communicated to the Bureau vide letter with reference number OAuGF/RESAD/05/2016/07, dated April 19, 2018. No response has been received from the Bureau.
“Unremitted funds may be misapplied by the Bureau. Also, it may lead to the diversion of funds to other uses.
“The Director-General is required to show evidence that $679,403,172.00 was collected and remitted to the appropriate authority.”
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Customs
How NPA’ s ETO call- up system hampers seamless export processes at Lilypond Terminal — Customs
Funso OLOJO
The Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, has attributed the persistent delay in export cargo movement at the command to logistics issues associated with the Nigerian Port Authority’s Eto call-up system, rather than any bottlenecks from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Eto call- up system is a structured movement of container- laden trucks into the terminals meant to decongest Port access road and facilitate quick goods clearance at the port.
It was developed by the NPA and driven by a private company.
However, Comptroller Odusanya, speaking at a Roundtable with members of Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN),emphasized that while the command has streamlined the export process, lack of available slots for trucks to enter the ports remains a major challenge.
He noted that despite the command’s efforts, numerous containers remain stranded at Lilypond due to the inability of trucks to secure clearance under the Eto system.
He explained that prior to the implementation of a centralized export processing system, multiple customs units across Apapa, Tin Can, PTML, and Lekki ports handled export documentation.
However, in July 2024, the government directed the full centralization of all export processes under the Lilypond Export Command.
This move, driven by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and backed by agencies such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), was aimed at streamlining operations and reducing multiple checkpoints.
Odusanya revealed that between January and December 2024, the command processed exports valued at approximately $1.9 billion, a figure that could have been higher if the consolidation had occurred earlier in the year.
He added that in February 2025 alone, the command facilitated exports worth $225.1 million.
He attributed these successes to inter-agency collaboration, with Customs working alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and quarantine services, among others.
Despite the improved export facilitation, Odusanya acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly with the Eto call-up system, which has created logistical constraints.
He explained that export containers often get delayed at Lilypond not due to customs processes but because of congestion at the ports, caused by import containers awaiting clearance.
He pointed out that while Apapa remains the busiest port for exports, the congestion problem is less severe at Tin Can due to the presence of an export processing terminal.
On the issue of the Nigerian Export Proceeds (NXP) form, Odusanya stated that the command has ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements.
He, however, acknowledged exporters’ concerns about the process and assured that Customs is working to facilitate seamless trade while ensuring adherence to financial regulations.
He urged maritime stakeholders, including the media, to continue sensitizing exporters on the ease of processing export goods through Lilypond, emphasizing that the command operates transparently and does not condone extortion.
He reiterated that officers at the entry points are strictly there to verify processed cargo and not to serve as an additional checkpoint.
Odusanya concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Lilypond Export Command to supporting Nigeria’s growing export sector, ensuring efficiency in cargo movement, and addressing any emerging challenges in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Economy
Dangote group remits N402.3 billion tax to government coffers in 2024
Gloria Odion
The Pan African Conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited and its subsidiaries, have disclosed that it paid over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.
Dangote’s Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, declared during a meeting with some senior media executives who visited him in his Lagos Office.
He said Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and its subsidiaries, namely, Dangote Cement, NASCON, Dangote Packaging Limited among others, remitted a total of N402.319billion for the out-gone year as taxes as responsible business enterprises.
Recall that Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had in late 2024 recognised Dangote group and its subsidiary, Bluestar Shipping as the most tax compliant organizations in the country during its Special Day at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The Federal Inland Revenue Service is Nigeria’s agency responsible for assessing, collecting and accounting for tax and other revenues accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Chiejina told his visitors that as a responsible business organisation, DIL and its subsidiaries have never shieded away from its obligations either to the government in the form of tax payment at all levels or to host communities in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
According to him, the Group’s corporate strategy has evolved just as its businesses have grown, matured and diversified into new sectors and regions over the last four decades.
He noted that Dangote Group has almost single-handedly taken Nigeria to self-sufficiency in cement and refined petroleum products and is expanding rapidly across Africa.
Dangote Group and its subsidiaries were recognised as number one most compliant in tax payment in the country, just as its subsidiary Dangote Cement, the country’s leading cement manufacturer, at another occasion won three awards at the FMDQ Gold Awards in Lagos as the most active business in the Foreign Exchange market.
Dangote Cement Plc was adjudged as the Largest Commercial Paper Quotation on FMDQ and Single Largest Corporate Debt Issue on FMDQ.
Also, Dangote Industries Ltd also emerged as the “Most active corporate in the foreign exchange market”.
Headlines
NIWA Chairman charges Oyebamiji to phase out wooden boats from Nigeria’s waterways
Funso OLOJO
The newly appointed Chairman of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hon.Musa Sarkin-Adar, has charged the management team of the Authority led by its Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, to phase out wooden boats from Nigeria’s waterways.
Musa Sarkin-Adar, who paid a
familiarization visit to the management team of NIWA in its Abuja liaison office, in a bid to minimize boat mishaps on the waterways.
He believed it would be a lasting legacy for the present leadership of NIWA if accidents could be minimized on the Waterways.
The Chairman’s advice is however in alignment with the NIWA’ s resolve to stamp out wooden and rickety boats on waterways.
However, Musa Sarkin-Adar further encouraged the NIWA team to do more in connecting other states in the water transportation.
He emphasized on the need for the involvement of the private sector in the development of water transportation, as government cannot do it alone.
In his response, Oyebamiji expressed appreciation for the visit and encouraging words of the chairman and pledged the commitment of of NIWA management to make the nation’s waterways safe and secure.
Oyebamiji also commended the efforts of his management team in the development of the Inland Waterways
Transportation sub-sector.
According to him, he is blessed with an experienced and dedicated team which he cannot take the glory alone.
The Chairman’s visit was attended by all the management staff of the Authority.
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