THE Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA) and Managing Director of Aero Maritime Group, Chief Victor Odili are currently in court over NPA’s refusal to renew the rental agreement of the Brawal Shipping Limited, a subsidiary of the group.
Aero Maritime Group boss, Chief Victor Odili
The rental disagreement between the authority and the shipping firm is the port facilities at the Kirikiri Ligter Terminal in Apapa.
Vanguard gathered that the rent for the property had expired and according to the agreement, the Brawal Shipping Limited could still occupy property for another two years after expiration of its rent.
It was gathered that the management of Aero Maritime Group approached the management of NPA for the renewal of the rent but the authority turned down the proposal and directed the company to vacate the property.
It was further gathered that Chief Odili decided to go court when NPA was not forth coming in renewing its rent for the use of the terminal.
Brawal Shipping is the only surviving subsidiary of the Aero Maritime Group that is offering skeletal services as more than 70 per cent of its work force have been laid off owing to decline in the company’s fortune.
In a reaction to the face off, the Group Head Administration and Personnel, Mr. Sly Agbontian, confirmed that the rent of the premises currently being occupied by Brawal had expired since 2013.
Agbontian also said that every moves by Brawal Shipping to renew the rent had been futile adding that the firm was left with no other choice than go to court.
Concession programme
He explained that the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority had refused to renew agreement for the rent because the authority said that the place had been scheduled for concession.
He disclosed that since the face off begun, clients of Brawal Shipping had become wary to do business with the company.
He however appealed to NPA to renew their rent agreement until they are ready for their concession programme, adding that the firm was ready to pay whenever they bring their debit note. “ If they bring their debit note today, we will pay the next day” he said.
Efforts to reach the Nigerian Ports Authority for comments was futile as the General Manager in charge of Public Affairs, Captain Ihenacho Ebubeogu told Vanguard that he cannot comment now as he needed to get the fact from the officers in charge.
Ebubeogu also said that he will not be available until today (Friday) and cross check the details of the case with their legal department.”We will talk when I come back on Friday,” he added.
Vanguard news
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