Esther Oritse
Lagos — Contrary to media reports suggesting that stevedores are being hounded by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged non-payment of royalties owed to the government, the National Association of Stevedore Operators (NASO) has clarified that no individual or group, including stevedores, has the right to withhold government dues, taxes, or fees.
In a statement signed by its President, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, NASO acknowledged that while there is indeed a backlog of royalty payments owed to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), discussions to resolve the matter have been ongoing for the past two months.
According to Sunmola, negotiations with the NPA would have been concluded by now if not for a recent management retreat embarked upon by the Authority.
He emphasized that stevedores operate as agents of the NPA and that when payments are received for services rendered, a portion is remitted as royalties in accordance with established guidelines.
Sunmola said: “Don’t forget, we are agents to the NPA, When we are paid, we remit an agreed royalty to the NPA as and when due, as stipulated in the terms of our engagement. There are no disputes between us and the NPA regarding this.”
He explained that the ongoing discussions revolve around categorizing the backlog into different payment classes (such as Category ‘A’ or ‘B’), which will determine the sequence of payments. “We are nearly at the end of these talks. If not for NPA’s retreat, the negotiations would have been concluded, and payments commenced,” he noted.
Addressing reports of EFCC involvement, Sunmola clarified that the Commission’s invitation was routine and not indicative of wrongdoing.
“The EFCC has the right to invite anyone. This is not the first time we’ve been invited. We went to Abuja, explained the processes through which we secured our jobs, and returned. NPA was also invited and did the same. There’s nothing unusual about it,” he said.
He stress that stevedores have consistently complied with their obligations. “We’ve always paid our dues. The current issue is just a procedural stopgap as per the agreement between us and the NPA.
“It is important to note that we are service provider within the maritime value chain. We contribute significantly to federal government revenue, generate substantial employment opportunities, and promote local empowerment in line with global best practices,” he added.
He further clarified that the backlog spans six months, not two years as reported in the media.
Sunmola added that the delay was also due to ongoing discussions regarding grey areas in the agreement between the NPA and the stevedores.
