Peter Uzoho
In compliance with a presidential directive and the consent judgement of the Federal High Court, Lagos, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has extended the Service Boat Operation Contract existing between it and Intels Nigeria Limited, directing the firm to resume service immediately.
The NPA disclosed this in a November 30, 2023 circular signed by the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Charles Okaga, which was sent to all shipping companies.
The Authority explained that the directive was in line with the terms of the extended contract contained in the Managing Agency Agreement conveying the scope of services, in addition to the obligations of the Agent.
NPA therefore directed all the shipping companies to ensure that Intels Nigeria Limited was allowed unrestricted access to information on Pilotage Movements and provide it with the necessary assistance to successfully commence operations as its Managing Agent on Service Boat operations in Lagos Pilotage District (LPD).
The circular read: “This is to kindly inform you that sequel to the Presidential Directives dated 18th August 2023 and the consent Judgement of the Federal High Court, Lagos, dated 21st of September 2023, the Authority has extended the Service Boat Operation Contract between it and Intels Nigeria Limited.
“Further to the above and to support the Authority’s and Federal Government’s drive to increase revenue generation from the Service Boat Operations, Messrs. Intels Nigeria Limited has been directed to resume services immediately. This is in line with the terms of the extended contract contained in the Managing Agency Agreement conveying the scope of Services, in addition to the obligations of the Agent.
“Consequent upon the above, you are hereby directed to ensure that Intels Nigeria Limited is allowed unrestricted access to information on Pilotage Movements and to be provided with the necessary assistance to successfully commence operations as the Authority’s Managing Agent on Service Boat operations in Lagos Pilotage District (LPD).
“While thanking you for your usual cooperation, please accept as always the assurances of our esteemed regards.”
The federal government had ended the monopoly enjoyed by maritime giant, Intels, on the sector.
Documents seen by THISDAY had revealed that the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) had directed the NPA to engage the new contractors who had been pre-qualified for the job.
The new companies approved for engagement by the BPP were ICA Logistics Limited (for Lagos Pilotage District), Pacific Silverline Limited (for Warri Pilotage District), Nextee Oil and Gas Trading Company (for Bonny/Port Harcourt Pilotage District) and Isasha Investments Limited (for Calabar Pilotage District).
The new firms were then asked to take over the Service Boat Operations Monitoring contract previously handled for years by Intels following the BPP Certificate of No-Objection dated August 30, 2023.
The BPP in a letter to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy with reference, BPP/RPT/23/Vol.I/093, had stated that the NPA should proceed to seek the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval before awarding the contracts to the recommended Service Boat Operations Monitoring Agents.
