Ministers, head of govt agencies ignoring parliamentary invitations embarrassing – Abbas

The House of Representatives expressed dismay on Monday, July 22, over the persistent disregard for parliamentary invitations by ministers, heads of government agencies, and other officials, describing the trend as embarrassing and disrespectful. This criticism came amid a dispute between the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) over the non-payment of 10% freight levies.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, represented by House Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, voiced his concerns during an investigative hearing organized by the Joint Committees on Commerce, Maritime Safety Education and Administration, and Legislative Compliance. Tajudeen warned that the House might implement measures to enforce compliance, criticizing the absence of key officials as disgraceful and an abuse of power.

Hon. Ahmed Munir, chairman of the joint committees, highlighted that the NEPC has been severely hampered in its duties due to the non-remittance of freight levies by NIMASA, which has persisted for decades. Munir called for improved collaboration between government bodies and emphasized the need for a solution to the levy payment issue.

NEPC Executive Director/CEO Nonye Ayeni reported that since 1992, NIMASA has refused to remit the required 10% freight levies. Ayeni noted that despite directives from former President Muhammadu Buhari and reminders from the Attorney General, NIMASA has remained unresponsive. She explained that NEPC’s financial constraints have limited its export activities.

In response, NIMASA’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Chidi Ofodile, asserted that the agency’s founding act does not mandate the payment to NEPC. Ofodile maintained that NIMASA has complied with legal requirements, arguing that any payment would contravene the law.

The Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration, Honourable Uduak Odudoh, suggested that both agencies present their legislative acts for examination to resolve inconsistencies. While some lawmakers recommended court intervention for legal clarification, Joint Committee Chairman Hon. Ahmed Munir urged NIMASA and NEPC to negotiate directly to resolve the dispute.