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Friday, March 29, 2024

Probe NPA MD, Hadiza Bala Usman, for as Long as You Want, Transport Minister Tells Panel

Probe NPA MD, Hadiza Bala Usman, for as Long as You Want, Transport Minister Tells Panel

The panel of enquiry inaugurated to investigate the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has been advised to take its time, as it has no time-frame to submit its findings.

The federal government on Monday inaugurated a panel of enquiry and ordered the panel to investigate policies of the suspended managing director of the authority, Hadiza Bala Usman.

In a March 4, 2021 letter to President Muhammadu Buhari by the federal ministry of transportation, the ministry alleged that the NPA under the leadership of BalaUsman failed to remit N165.32bn to the Consolidated Revenue Fund from 2016 to 2020.

The ministry called for an investigation and audit of NPA’s accounts and further stated that there were unremitted deductions to FIRS by NPA that include N3,667,750,470; $148,845,745.04; €4,891,449.50; and £252,682.14.

Bala-Usman refuted the contents of the ministry’s letter and denied allegations leveled against her.

Yet, the minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Monday in Abuja inaugurated a panel to investigate the policies, strategies and other management activities undertaken by the suspended NPA boss during her tenure at the authority.

Outlining the terms of reference of the panel, Amaechi said, “You should examine and investigate the administrative policies and strategies adopted by the managing director of NPA and confirm compliance with extant laws and rules from 2016 till date.

“Examine and investigate issues leading to the termination of pilotage and other contracts of NPA and confirm compliance with the terms of the respective contracts, court rulings and Presidential directives.

“Examine and investigate compliance with the communication channel as obtained in the public service. Examine and investigate the procurement of contracts from 2016 to date.

“Come up with suggestions and advice that would strengthen the operations of NPA and forestall such occurrences in future.”

They also included and any other matter that may be necessary in the course of the assignment.

Members of the panel include Suleiman Auwalu, Director, Maritime Services and chairman of the team; Ben Omogo, Director, Organisation Design and Development, Co-Chairman.

Others include Hussani Adamu, Director, Procurement; Blessing Azorbo, Director, Legal Services; Mercy Ilori, Director, Transport Planning Coordination; Muhly-deen Awwal, Director, Human Resources Management; Gabriel Fan, Deputy Director, Legal Services, who serves as secretary of the committee.

Three employees of Human Resources Management are to serve as secretariat staff.

 

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