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ALLEGATIONS TRAIL NIGERIAN SHIPPER’S COUNCIL BOSS AS OFFICIALS QUERY N35BN TRANSACTIONS
Senior officials of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) have raised serious concerns over the alleged disappearance of about N35 billion, with accusations directed at the Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr. Pius Akutah.
Multiple senior staff members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that questionable financial practices have intensified at the Council since Mr. Akutah assumed office.
They claimed that several large-scale financial transactions approved under his leadership could not be properly accounted for.
It was gathered that two Directors of the Council, Mr. Garta Ahmadu, Director of Inland Transport Services, and Mr. Olaniyi Stephen, Director of Finance and Accounts were also allegedly mentioned by sources as key officials involved in the administration of the funds under scrutiny.
The sources disclosed that petitions are being prepared for submission to anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), by two civil society and advocacy groups, urging a comprehensive probe into the Council’s financial records.
According to the officials, large sums running into billions of naira were allegedly approved and released without due process, with claims that the funds were diverted for purposes unrelated to the Council’s statutory mandate.
They further alleged that staff welfare and statutory entitlements have suffered delays and inconsistencies during the period under review.
The officials also claimed that several high-value procurements, including vehicles and other items, were allegedly made with Council funds, raising questions about compliance with public procurement regulations.
Some of these expenditures, they alleged, were politically motivated and linked to activities outside the official functions of the NSC.
Additional allegations include claims of compromised revenue processes at the nation’s ports, with accusations that under-declaration of cargo and other sharp practices have negatively impacted the Council’s earnings.
The sources alleged that efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability at the ports were undermined by vested interests.
The concerned officials have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently constitute an independent Panel of Inquiry to examine the allegations, audit the Council’s financial activities, and recover any public funds found to have been misappropriated.
As of the time of filing this report, Mr. Pius Akutah and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council management had not officially responded to the allegations.
Efforts to obtain their reaction were ongoing.
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