Esther Oritse
Lagos — The leadership of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, has taken Shell Development Company, an international Oil Company, OIC, to court over a N4billion debt for the transportation of crude and refined petroleum products through its pipelines.
In an exclusive interview with Vanguard during the World Maritime Day celebration held in Lagos, Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebimiji said that if Shell was not made to pay its debt, the oil firm may end up not paying due to their divestment from Off-Shore operations.
Oyebimiji also said NIWA as an agency of government has also informed the Minister of Marine and Blue economy to liaise with his counterpart at the Ministry of Energy.
The NIWA boss stated the debt has lingered on for too long and Shell must pay before it leaves the country.
He said: “We are in Court with Shell over their indebtedness to the government. You know Shell is divesting and we must collect our money before they leave.
“My predecessor pursued this debt before he left office without being able to collect the money, Shell has left us with no choice than take legal action over the matter.”
Oyebamiji explained that the leadership of the agency has been skeptical about making the matter public as it did everything it to have the matter resolved in the most amicable matter
Recall that the NIWA has been having a running battle with some oil companies over the issue of indebtedness until the agency decided to seek redress in court.
