Senior figures within the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) have reportedly raised alarm over alleged irregularities involving an estimated N35 billion, prompting growing calls for an independent investigation into the Council’s financial dealings.
Sources within the agency, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, alleged that concerns over financial accountability escalated following the assumption of office by the Executive Secretary, Mr. Pius Akutah.
According to them, several high-value transactions approved during the period are said to lack clear documentation or satisfactory explanations.
The officials further claimed that internal reviews have flagged multiple disbursements running into billions of naira, with questions raised about adherence to established financial procedures and approvals.
In the unfolding controversy, the names of two senior directors, Mr. Garta Ahmadu, Director of Inland Transport Services, and Mr. Olaniyi Stephen, Director of Finance and Accounts were mentioned by sources as officers whose departments oversaw some of the transactions now under scrutiny.
It was also gathered that at least two civil society and advocacy organisations are finalising petitions to be forwarded to anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for a forensic audit of the Council’s accounts.
According to the sources, some of the disputed expenditures were allegedly executed without strict compliance with due process, while others were said to have been applied to activities outside the statutory responsibilities of the NSC.
They also alleged that delays in staff welfare payments and statutory obligations have coincided with the period in question.
Further claims point to questionable procurement practices, including the acquisition of vehicles and other high-cost items, which insiders say may not have followed public procurement guidelines.
Some of these expenses, the sources alleged, were linked to politically related engagements rather than core regulatory functions.
The officials also raised concerns about revenue leakages at the nation’s ports, alleging that practices such as cargo under-declaration and other operational lapses have reduced the Council’s expected earnings.
They claimed that efforts aimed at improving transparency were allegedly weakened by entrenched interests.
In response to the situation, the concerned officials have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to institute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations, review the Council’s financial records, and ensure the recovery of any public funds found to have been mismanaged.
As at the time of filing this report, neither Mr. Akutah nor the management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council had issued an official response to the allegations. Attempts to obtain their reactions were still ongoing.
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