Bidders allege bias in NPA cargo survey contract

We are transparent, says ports authourity

Some aggrieved parties who bided for cargo survey contract at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have raised alarm over alleged manipulation of the process to favour some ‘incompetent companies.’

They alleged that a committee set up by the management of the NPA is planning to influence the bids to favour some companies. The management of NPA has however denied the allegation, saying that due process is strictly followed in all contracts awarded.

The NPA on November 26, 2016 announced on its website for ‘competent and reputable cargo surveying companies to express interest in cargo surveying services’ at the Delta, Calabar, Onne, Rivers, Lagos and Tin-Can Island ports.

Over 60 companies, some of who have involved in execution of the contracts in the past also indicated interest in the job.

One of the bidders who did not want his name mentioned said if the bidding is not handled transparently, it could negatively affect the Federal Government’s policy of due process and the fight against corruption.

“We got information that the committee is planning to give the contracts to some newly incorporated companies which were formed few months ago. These companies have no experience in handling this job.

“This is a job that requires experience, but we are surprised that the tradition of selecting experienced companies is in the process of being jeopardised. Due process is not being followed. The irony is that the consultant that was given the job of accessing all the bidders is yet to submit his report to the committee, yet the committee has reached a decision on those that will handle the job,” he said.

They urged the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Usman, General Manager, Procurement, Dandare Ahmed and the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo to order an investigation into the matter.

In his reaction, Ahmed confirmed that the committee had a meeting concerning the contract but said it was to evaluate some of the bidders and come up with the list of successful ones.

“It is the practice of the procurement department to always use hotels for such evaluations because of the volume of work involved. We are yet to come out with the names of successful bidders, so it is not right for some of the contractors to say we have chosen the companies that will handle the contracts. We are very transparent,” he said.