Minister of transportation Rotimi Amaechi on Monday inaugurated an 11-man investigative panel to probe the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) over alleged non-remittance of N165 billion surplus revenue.
President Muhammadu Buhari had last week suspended Hadiza Usman as NPA boss over the allegations on Mr Amaechi’s recommendations.
The 11-man committee is chaired by director of maritime services, Suleiman Auwalu; while Gabriel Fan, deputy director of legal services, Federal Ministry of Transportation will act as secretary.
Among the panel’s terms of reference are: “Examine and investigate the administrative policies and strategies adopted by the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority and confirm compliance with extant laws and rules from 2016 to date.
“Examine and investigate Issues leading to the termination of pilotage and other contracts of Nigerian Ports Authority 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 and examine and investigate the procurement of contracts from 2016 to date.
“Come up with suggestions and advice that would strengthen the operations of Nigerian Ports Authority and forestall such occurrences in future if any and other matter that the assignment may be necessary in the course of the assignment.”
