In contrast with news outlets claiming that stevedores are facing pressure from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding unpaid royalties to the state, the National Association of Stevedore Operators (NASO) has stated that neither an individual nor any organization, such as stevedores, possesses the authority to hold back government charges, levies, or tax payments.
In a declaration authored by its President, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, NASO confirmed that although there is an accumulation of unpaid royalties due to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), talks aimed at addressing this issue have been taking place over the last two months.
As per Sunmola, the talks with the NPA would have already ended by this point had it not been for a new leadership gathering organized by the Authority.
He stated that dockworkers function as representatives of the NPA, and upon receiving payment for their work, part of it is sent over as royalties following set procedures.
Sunmola said: “We act on behalf of the NPA. Upon receiving payment, we pay a predetermined percentage to the NPA at the appropriate times, according to the conditions outlined in our agreement. There have been no disagreements with the NPA concerning this.”
He mentioned that the current talks focus on dividing the outstanding items into various payment categories (like Class ‘A’ or ‘B’), which will establish the order of disbursements.
“We are close to finishing these discussions. Without the NPA’s withdrawal, the talks would have ended, and payments would have started,” he mentioned.
In response to claims about EFCC participation, Sunmola explained that the Commission’s summons was standard procedure and did not suggest any misconduct.
“The EFCC has the authority to call upon any individual. This isn’t the first instance of such an invitation. We traveled to Abuja, where we outlined the procedures used to obtain our positions, and then came back. The NPA was also summoned and followed similar steps. There’s nothing out of the ordinary about this,” he stated.
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