Reps Direct CBN and Finance Ministry to Refund 50% Deduction from Shippers Council Account
The House of Representatives has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance to immediately refund the 50% deduction made from the Nigerian Shippers Council’s account. The House also instructed the Ministry of Finance to release all outstanding funds related to the 2% Port Development Levy Surcharge owed to the Council.
The motion, moved by Hon. Abba Ahmed Sani from Zamfara State on Wednesday, was adopted by the Green Chamber. The House also mandated its Committees on Shipping Services, Finance, and Public Accounts to ensure that the resolution is carried out.
In December 2023, the Ministry of Finance deducted 50% of the Nigerian Shippers Council’s account balance under the provisions of the 2021 Finance Act. The House expressed concern about the slow and inconsistent release of the 2% portion of the 7% Port Development Levy Surcharge allocated to the Council, resulting in delays in funding.
Lawmakers noted that the delayed and insufficient funding has led to operational challenges, including the inability to pay salaries and retirees’ entitlements, causing undue hardship for staff and retirees.
The House also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council headquarters, which is facing structural and technical damages. Lawmakers warned that the building is at risk of collapse, posing a significant danger to staff and visitors. They highlighted the building’s compromised integrity, with a leaking roof that exacerbates the structural damage, making the environment hazardous.
Additionally, the House criticized the misclassification of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as a revenue-generating agency, despite it not being one. This misclassification has led to inadequate budgetary allocations, preventing the Council from meeting its operational and financial obligations.
The motion was unanimously adopted and referred to the relevant committees for further action.
