NEWS
Audit Query: Reps panel Probes NPA, Terminal Operator over $68.473m debts
…As NPA Boss Gives Details Of Transactions
By John Danjuma
The Public Account Committee, (PAC) of the House of Representatives is investigating the Nigerian Port Authority, NPA and Terminal Operators (Nigeria) Limited over $68,473m debts owed the Federal Government on lease and Throughput fair between 2006 and June 2022.
The Committee being Chaired by Hon Busayo Oluwole Oke (PDP Osun) is also investigating the Terminal Operator for using own exchange rate different from the official one approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN in calculating revenue accuring to the Federal government
All were contained in the query from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation.
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) Mohammed Bello-Koko had indicated in a submission to the Committee that one of the Port operators in charge of the Rivers Port, and Terminal Operators (Nigeria) Limited used its own exchange rate in calculating revenue accruing to the Nigerian government
The NPA boss stated in the Submission that PTOL used N116 to the dollar at a time when the official exchange rate was fixed at N305 to the dollar by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2016.
The submission dated 27th July, 2022 which was in response to a letter from the committee also revealed that even while using another exchange rate of N151 agreed to after reconciliation, the terminal operator was still indebted to the government to the tune of $68.473 million as at 13th October, 2021.
The Auditor General of the Federation had indicted the company for not paying its lease fees and throughout fee to the government as at when due.
However, in its submission, the company claimed that contrary to the report of the Auditor General, it had been paying its lease fees and Throughput fee to the Nigeria Port Authority as at when due contrary to the AuGF report.
A supporting document submitted by the NPA to the House committee tabulated the payments made by two concessionaires (BUA and PTOL) on lease and Throughput fees between 2006 and June 2022.
A close study of the document however showed a huge disparity in the figures being owed the government by the company.
For example, while the document suggested that in 2008, PTOL was given a bill of $11,333,333.31 and paid $3,333,333.31, outstanding balance against them was put at $17,194,444.67 instead of $8,000,000.
Similarly, in 2019, the bill given to the company for its operation at the Rivers Port Complex stood at $10,080,000.00.
However, while the document indicated that they paid $3,000,000, outstanding balance against them was put at $102,714,749.66, a figure far above the bill given to it as its lease fee.
However, the NPA letter reads: “Your letter dated 20th, July 2022 to the Authority refers to the historical background of the debt profile of PTOL to NPA dated back to – the inception of the concession, in 2006.
“These issues revolve around the inability of the Operator to make payment on its lease fees as signed with BPE and NPA.
PTOL gave the following reasons among others for its indebtedness to NPA:
“Amortization of berth 1-3. The difference in-amortization carried out by PTOL and what was recognized by NPA was significant when converted from dollar to naira.
“NPA relied on the existing exchange rate given by CBN at 305 as at year 2016, at the time of reconciliation while PTOL used N116 to a dollar, being the -rate of dollar at the time of reconstruction.
“After reconciliation, a N151 to dollar was adopted, as stipulated in the supplemental agreement. The difference in valuation amounted to $11,068,187.16 and a credit note was issued on the 5th June, 2020.
“PTOL claimed no operation happened at the berth during the construction period of 2007 – 2009, hence loss of revenue. PTOL claimed 6 vessels were handled by NPA after the signing of the lease’ agreement. And a refund of 50% stevedoring element was considered.
“Huge disparity in lease fees charged compared to BUA. Disparity in existing draft with the initial advertised draft of 10 meters.
Security concerns at the Eastern Port. Oil and Gas related cargo vessel diversion to Onne Port, which they claimed affected their revenue.”
The letter said further that the outstanding debt profile as at June, 2019 against PTOL in NPA records stood at $100,985,846.82 while PTOL acknowledge only $77 ,976,788.81.
READ ALSO: Reps to Mount Diplomatic Pressure for Ekweremadu
It indicated further that at a joint meeting with BPE, PTOL and NPA on the 14th December 2021 on resolving the outstanding debts of the terminal operator, a further reconciliation was carried out by NPA and PTOL at the Rivers Port.
It said the highlights of the reconciliation showed that “an implementation of a further reduction of 25% lease fee review granted by the Ministry of Transport and BPE in June, 2015.
“This was predicated on the terminal operator paying a Guarantee Minimum Tonnage (GMT) penalty of $2,849,404.41. This review was not Implemented by failure of PTOL to pay the stipulated penalty. A further agreement to issue a credit note of $1,940,821.16 for the
period the detained vessels were at the PTOL berth. These vessels were detained by various government agencies.”
The letter also said that a credit note of $11,821,500.16 was raised for the non-utilization in the berth during the reconstruction of berth 1 – 3 undertaken by PTOL.
It stressed that the second round of reconciliation report is yet to be approved by the Board of the NPA before its dissolution by the Honorable Minister of Transport, while the
report has been forwarded to the reconstituted board and is currently being considered.
It said that after these reconciliations, PTOL debt profile to NPA stood at $68,473,637.72 as at 13th October,2021.
Determined to get to the root of the matter, Committee has directed both the NPA boss and the terminal Operator to appear before it on Tuesday for further investigation.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed
Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors
Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
BBNaija’s Eloswag Responds To Leaked Sextape
Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly
N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa
Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians
Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
