EFCC Targets Stevedoring Firms Over Unremitted Royalties 6-Years After Contract

...As NPA Summons Stevedores

By Ewrhujakpor Godfrey Bivbere

Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria - August 2, 2025: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has launched an investigation into several stevedoring firms operating in oil and gas facilities, following allegations of non-remittance of royalties owed to the federal government via the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that these firms—contracted to provide stevedoring services at International Oil Companies', IOCs facilities nearly a decade ago—have reportedly failed to remit the required 20–30% of their monthly earnings, estimated to range between $1.2 and $1.5 million.

An NPA insider suggested that previous efforts to enforce the remittance obligation may have been hindered by political interference, alleging that several of the firms have ties to powerful individuals; including a former top management staff of the NPA.

The investigation was reportedly prompted by an anonymous petition received by the EFCC. 

In response, the NPA summoned the stevedoring companies to a formal meeting held in April 2025—their first official review since their appointment.

A letter dated 19 March 2025, signed by Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director of Marine & Operations at NPA, was sent to the National Association of Stevedoring Operators, NASO, requesting the attendance of all firms. Referenced HQ/ED/M&Q/OP/080, the letter invited stevedores to the "Maiden Monthly Stevedoring Operations Meeting On Onshore/Offshore Oil And Gas Facilities" scheduled for 15 April.

The agenda included:

* Submission of monthly operational reports from inception to date

* Contract verification

* Review of operational status: royalty compliance, service delivery, and equipment supply

* Identification of operational challenges and discussion of extra services

* Initial discussions on Standard Operating Procedures, SOPs and harmonization of stakeholder submissions

The NPA reiterated the importance of transparency and requested all attendees bring original appointment letters and contracts for verification. The meeting signaled a renewed effort to enforce compliance and streamline operational oversight in the oil and gas stevedoring sector.