$3bn Dredging saga: NPA okays Senate’s investigation of JV enterprises

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman has welcomed the decision of the Nigerian Senate to look into the activities of the Joint Venture Enterprises of the NPA, namely, the Lagos Channel Management, the Bonny Channel Company, and the Calabar Channel Management Company Limited, as raised in a motion on the floor of the Senate recently.

In a statement signed by I. S. Nasiru, a Principal Manager, Public Affairs at the Authority, the NPA explained that its current administration had, on assumption of duties, identified the challenge and had taken immediate steps to address the unacceptable situation.

The statement explained that as part of the processes, an advertisement for expressions of interest for “Consultancy Services for Dredging and Channel Design Optimisation Studies” was placed in newspapers in October, 2016 (Public Notice No 3957). This, according to the statement, was an international competitive bidding.

It explained that at the moment, three companies have been pre-qualified for the assignment with a request for proposals (RFP) already issued towards the conclusion of the process for the award of contracts.

The statement said further that the studies, when completed, will provide accurate information on the depth and siltation levels of the channels and ultimately, guide the NPA on its next line of immediate and future actions on the channels.

It explained that the NPA discovered that the cost of dredging of the channels has increased on a yearly basis in the past and that the study would provide guidance on specific measures to take to save cost.

The statement assured of the readiness of the NPA to collaborate with other agencies of government to ensure transparency in the execution of government business and work in the best interest of Nigeria always.

It said that the investigation ordered by the senate was in line with the determination of the NPA to open its book for probity at all times and assured the senate of its cooperation always.

Recall that Senator Ovie Omo- Agege recently raised a motion calling for a probe into the Joint Venture arrangement.