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The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has categorically denied recent online allegations of massive financial irregularities within the agency, describing them as baseless, misleading, and an attack on its integrity. In an official statement released on Sunday, the agency emphasized its unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency in all its operations, particularly in budget management and procurement processes.
The rebuttal follows the circulation of a viral report claiming the existence of multi-billion naira corruption and misconduct at the NPA. However, the agency labeled the claims as “spurious allegations that are false and lacking any credibility,” asserting that the accusers failed to substantiate their claims with verifiable evidence.
According to the NPA, its financial activities undergo constant scrutiny by several government oversight bodies, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the National Assembly. This multilayered oversight structure, the Authority said, renders any misapplication of budgetary provisions practically impossible.
“The country’s financial governance framework does not permit arbitrary use of funds. Allegations of budget misuse do not reflect the reality of the strict controls in place,” the statement read.
Addressing one of the key issues raised—the emergency dredging of the Warri Escravos Channel—the NPA clarified that the contract was awarded in line with the Public Procurement Act of 2007. The Authority stressed the urgency of the dredging project, pointing out that the critical route serves as a vital artery for Nigeria’s oil and gas exports.
“Failure to act swiftly would have led to vessel grounding, major investment losses, and international embarrassment for the country,” the statement noted.
In defending its procurement of marine crafts, the NPA explained that the acquisitions were directly linked to the Federal Government’s crude oil swap policy with local refiners, which has expanded offshore activities. It maintained that all procurement followed due process, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic and energy goals.
The agency also addressed the accusation that official documents had been withheld for over a year, calling it “untenable” under Nigeria’s civil service rules, which mandate strict timelines for document processing. Similarly, the report’s claim regarding irregular transactions at the Authority’s London office was declared “entirely false,” as such dealings “never occurred.”
Furthermore, the NPA clarified that its remarkable revenue boost in 2024 was largely attributed to exchange rate gains. Given that its charges are collected in foreign currencies in line with international maritime standards, the revenue growth was legitimate and not a result of any financial manipulation.
Regarding internal administration, the Authority explained that its recent promotions and appointments aimed to address long-standing career stagnation among staff, adding that the decisions were made strictly in line with approved civil service regulations and the NPA’s internal governance procedures.
“Management followed due process as outlined in the Authority’s approved conditions of service,” it stated.
On the revocation of certain third-party contracts, the NPA clarified that these decisions were based on legal and contractual obligations and were taken in the best interest of operational efficiency and transparency.
This is not the first time the NPA has had to fend off allegations of misconduct. However, industry observers note that the agency has made significant strides in improving transparency in recent years. The implementation of electronic documentation, automation of port processes, and improved revenue collection mechanisms are among the reforms initiated to align Nigeria’s ports with global best practices.
The Authority’s latest response is seen as a firm stance against misinformation and an effort to preserve public confidence in one of the country’s most strategic revenue-generating agencies. Stakeholders in the maritime sector have since called on the public to allow regulatory institutions to conduct due diligence rather than rely on unverified online reports.