The House of Representatives has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance to immediately refund 50% of the funds that were deducted from the Nigerian Shippers Council’s account. The House also instructed the Ministry of Finance to release all the remaining 2% of the Port Development Levy funds owed to the Council.
This decision follows a motion by Hon. Abba Ahmed Sani from Zamfara State. The House raised concerns about the 50% deduction from the Shippers Council’s account in December 2023, which was made under the 2021 Finance Act. They also criticized the delays in releasing the 2% Port Development Levy funds, which have created financial challenges for the Council.
Lawmakers highlighted that the delays in funding have caused problems like unpaid salaries and entitlements for retirees. They also pointed out that the Shippers Council’s headquarters is in bad condition, with structural damage that could lead to a collapse, putting staff and visitors at risk.
The House also expressed concerns about the Shippers Council being classified as a revenue-generating agency, which has led to inadequate funding. The motion was unanimously adopted, and the relevant committees were tasked with ensuring that the resolution is followed through.
