Dogara blows hot as Reps probe fraud allegations at NPA, NIWA

Following several motions calling for an enquiry into malpractices in
the maritime sector, especially with respect to agencies such as the
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the National Inland Waterways
Authority (NIWA), the House of Representatives on Monday kicked off
its investigation into the allegations.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, while
speaking at the hearing, noted that the allegations raised were very
weighty, with potential to seriously affect the economy.

He said: "While I commend the Executive Arm, and particularly the
managements in the Maritime Industry for their efforts to reposition
the Nigerian Maritime Industry for improved service delivery and
enhanced contribution to economic growth, I must say that the maritime
industry in Nigeria is yet to attain the desired and expected status
of becoming the hub for international freight and trade in West
Africa.

"In this regard, it has been observed that over the years, the
Nigerian maritime industry has failed to attract the required local
and foreign investment inflow that is proportionate to its
contribution to both the Nigerian and West African economy, despite
its great potential and enormous investment opportunities."

He described as unacceptable, a situation whereby ports in other West
African nations would deliver better and more efficient services than
Nigerian ports.

"According to the National Bureau of Statistics in March 2018,
Nigeria's Ports dropped down the global ratings basically due to bad
infrastructure. Interestingly, major competitors in the West African
region, such as the Port of Lome in Togo, Port of Dakar in Senegal,
and the Port of Cotonou in Benin Republic, all deliver better
efficient services than the Nigerian Ports. This is really not
acceptable.

"Some of the problems that have been identified as the reasons why the
Nigerian Ports are performing so poorly include bad infrastructure,
high cost of doing business and low draught at a lot of our major
waterways. It is our hope that the Legislative exercise being carried
out through this Committee will proffer lasting solutions to these
problems."

Dogara further highlighted other factors militating against the
development of the maritime sector, including alleged arbitrary
increases in charges by terminal operators, inefficient collection and
accounting procedures, and contract repetitions and payment of huge
commissions to service providers compared to remittances to the
Federation Account, among others.

"If these allegations are anything to go by, we can understand why the
sector has recorded persistent decline in performance and economic
growth over the years. Suffice it to say that these are serious
allegations which need to be looked into", he said.