TheCable

The house of representatives committee on public petitions has dismissed a petition against Mohammed Bello-Koko, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), over the alleged N178 billion debt”.

A group known as the Forum of Non-Governmental Organisations in Nigeria had petitioned the green chamber over the alleged N178 billion debt in the 2019 audited financial report of the NPA.

The petitioner had among other things, demanded that the management of NPA explain why the debt had increased from N135 billion in 2018 to N178 billion in 2024.

“Our attention has been brought to the 2019 audited financial statement of Nigeria Port Authority ( NPA) with special reference to Trade Accounts Receivable and the huge provision made for bad and doubt debts,” the petition reads.

“Whilst we note that the position in 2019 would significantly changed by now, the poor quality of NPA’s trade receivable account is alarming and requires urgent attention.”

However, at the public hearing on Wednesday, no representative of the group came to appear before the committee to defend the allegation levelled against NPA and its managing director.

Mike Etaba, chairman of the committee, said petitioners have failed to appear before the panel to defend their petition.

“This is the sixth time and the petitioner has not been in this place. The case is hereby dismissed,” Etaba said.