The Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi has inaugurated an 11-member panel to probe the activities of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between 2016 to 2021.
President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the suspension of the Managing Director, Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman, as well as the probe of NPA
The panel is headed by Mr. Suleiman Auwalu, the director of maritime service of the ministry.
Members
Mr Ben Omogo, Director Organisation Design and Development (OHCSF)
Dr. Hussaini Adamu, Director Procurement
Mrs. Mercy Ilori , Director, Transport Planning Coordination
Mr. Muhiy-deen Awwal, Director, Human Resources Management
Mrs Blessing Azorbo, Director Legal (OHCSF)
Mr Mohammed K. Usma, Director Finance and Accounting (OHCSF); Mohammed Lawal Garba, Director Audit (OHSCF)
Mrs Rose Olaniyi, Deputy Director, Administration (OHACF)
Mr Dauda Ismail, Assistant Director, Procurement (OHSCF)
Mr. Gabriel Fan, Deputy Director, Legal Services.
Six of the members, including the co-chair, are those nominated by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), which according to Amaechi, is to allow fairness for the suspended MD, who he added, had not been declared guilty.
He said since about N1.5 trillion is involved in the investigation, adding that the panel does not have a time limit.
He pleaded with members of the public to allow him and the Minister of State for Transportation, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki to do their job.
Term of Reference
The terms of reference of the panel as follows:
- 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 till date.
- 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.
- 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 any other matter that may be necessary in the course of the assignment.
