Following the unanimous adoption of a motion by Nicholas Ossai during a plenary, yesterday, the House of Representatives is set to probe the perceived infractions in the Nigerian Ports Authority award of contracts.
The award include the dredging of Warri Seaport and Escravos Channel.
Ossai from Delta, while moving the motion, alleged that NPA took advantage of the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval to award a contract worth N10 billion for the dredging of the Warri Port and Escravos Channel without any prior budgetary provision or appropriation.
He said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had earlier approved N10 billion for the dredging of Warri Seaport and Escravos Channel.
While explaining the importance of water transportation, he noted that the water transport and maritime trade were strategic and of great importance to the Nigerian economy.
The lawmaker said that if the projects are implemented, they would revive and re-energise economic activities in the Niger Delta region.
The legislator alleged that the contract was awarded to a company whose reputation and professional competence has been smeared internationally.
He said that the company had suffered several criminal indictments and convictions in many countries.
The lawmaker expressed worry over attempts by some faceless persons to blackmail individuals and organisations raising alarm over the alleged illegality in the award of the contract.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, mandated the Committees on Ports, Harbours and Waterways and Public Procurement to investigate the alleged infractions and report backwithin four weeks for further legislative action