AMEACHI CHARGES PANEL OF INQUIRY ON NPA TO BE DILIGENT… Says time frame not conscripted.
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has charged the members of the panel set up to investigate the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), from 2016 to date to be transparent and Diligent in carrying out the assignment.
In a release made available to News Dot Africa, the Director Press & Public Relations, Mrs Anastasia Ogbonna, Amaechi made the pronouncement during the inauguration of the panel at the Ministry on Monday, 10th May, 2021.
The Minister further pointed out that there is nothing wrong in setting up a panel of inquiry and that it does not mean that anyone is indicted, rather it is a management tool used to inquire about procurement processes, budgetary procedures, how money is spent and how much revenue has been generated for the government.
He, therefore pleaded with the public to allow the panel do the Job assigned to them by the President, adding that they should feel free to invite anyone in the course of the investigation, even himself if need be.
In her contribution, The Honourable Minister of State for Transportation, Sen. Gbemisola Ruqayya Saraki, stated that it is part of the purview of the Ministry of Transportation to supervise any agency under it and these supervisory role includes; “looking, asking and assuring things are following due process”.
The Chairman of the Panel, Director, Maritime Services, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Suleiman Auwalu on behalf of the members assured the Minister that they shall be honest and fair in carrying out their duties and that they will do it in the interest of the Ministry and the country at large.
The Panel consists of 11 members, 5 from the Ministry of Transportation and 6 from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation. They Members are;
1. Mr. Suleiman Auwalu, Director Maritime Services – Chairman
2. Ben Omogo, Director Organisation Design & Development (OHCSF) – Co- Chairman
3. Dr. Hussaini Adamu, Director Procurement – Member
4. Mrs. Mercy Ilori , Director, Transport Planning Coordination – Member
5. Mr. Muhiy-deen Awwal, Director, Human Resources Management – Member
6. Mrs Blessing Azorbo, Director Legal (OHCSF) – Member
7. Mohammed K. Usma, Director Finance & Accounting (OHCSF) – Member
8. Mohammed Lawal Garba, Director Audit (OHSCF) – Member
9. Mrs Rose Olaniyi, Deputy Director, Administration (OHACF) – Member
10. Dauda Ismail, Assistant Director, Procurement (OHSCF)- Member
11. Mr. Gabriel Fan, Deputy Director, Legal Services – Secretary
The Panel has not been conscripted with a time frame to carry out their assignment, this according to the Minister is to ensure diligence in the course of the investigation.
The Terms of Reference are:
1. 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.
2. Examine and investigate issues leading to the termination of pilotage and other contracts of the Nigerian Ports Authority and confirm compliance with the terms of the respective contracts, court rulings and Presidential directives.
3. Examine and investigate compliance with the communication channel as obtained in the Public Service.
4. Examine and investigate the procurement of contracts from 2016 to date
5. Come up with suggestions and advise that would strengthen the operations of the Nigerian Ports Authority and forestall such occurrences in future.
6. And any other that may be necessary in the course of the assignment.
