The ownership of Integrated Logistics Facilities and Services, (Intels) has become a major concern for stakeholders in the nation’s maritime industry. A recent report linked Alhaji Ado Bayero, the late Emir of Kano, and father to Lamido Sanusi Ado Bayero, the newly appointed Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to the logistics and ports facilities management company. Although it is believed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigerian, own majority share of the company, a recent investigation has shown that the late Emir owns at least 10 percent share of the company.
The fear of most stakeholders is that a managing director with interest in a particular logistics and port facilities management will not create a level playing ground for competitors in the industry.
But the management of NPA has denied the allegation. In a statement made public recently the apex maritime regulatory body stated that the allegation was baseless. The management of NPA admitted that the late Emir initially had 10 percent share in the company but it was sold out six months before the appointment of the current Managing Director of the NPA. “The 10 per cent equity ownership of the company, owned by the late Emir was sold by his family with his demise and over six months before the appointment of the current Managing Director. The family has therefore no business connection with the Company since then. This can be verified from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Management of INTELS.
“As the Managing Director, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero is appointed by the President, Commander-In-Chief to oversee the operation and activities of the Authority as a neutral arbiter, without any bias to any interest or any stakeholder,” the statement issued by NPA Assistant General Manager Public Affairs, Musa Ilya added.
He assured all stakeholders of equal and fair participation in their areas of operation in the nation’s seaports for the benefit of the nation’s maritime sector.
By Pita Ochai
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