The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has initiated legal proceedings against Shell Development Company, an international oil giant, over an alleged N4 billion debt. This debt is reportedly linked to the transportation of crude oil and refined petroleum products through NIWA’s infrastructure.
In an exclusive interview with *Vanguard* during the World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos, NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebimiji, expressed concern that Shell’s ongoing divestment from its offshore operations could lead to the company avoiding payment. He emphasized that the legal action was essential to recover the funds before Shell concludes its exit from Nigeria.
“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,” Oyebimiji stated. He pointed out that while NIWA had made several attempts to recover the debt through amicable means, Shell’s delays left the agency with no option but to take legal action.
The NIWA chief further explained that his predecessor had also made efforts to resolve the issue, but the situation dragged on unresolved. “My predecessor pursued this debt before he left office without being able to collect the money. Shell has left us with no choice but to take legal action over the matter,” Oyebimiji added.
In light of the mounting concerns, NIWA has sought the intervention of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Oyebimiji disclosed that the agency had requested the minister’s assistance in coordinating with the Ministry of Energy to ensure that the debt is settled before Shell’s exit from the country.
While NIWA initially hesitated to make the issue public, hoping for an amicable resolution, the prolonged delays in payment prompted the agency to take legal measures. The legal battle between NIWA and Shell highlights the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in the maritime and energy sectors, particularly as multinational companies restructure or divest from their operations in Nigeria.
As NIWA continues its efforts to recover funds owed by various oil companies, the case against Shell underscores the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent future incidents. Oyebimiji affirmed that NIWA would remain committed to securing the agency’s revenue and ensuring that all outstanding debts are paid before companies wind down their operations.
With the growing trend of oil companies divesting from Nigeria, NIWA’s actions are a significant step in ensuring that public resources are protected and that all financial obligations to the government are met.
