By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has dragged international oil major, Shell Development Company (SPDC), to court over a N4 billion debt for the transportation of crude and refined petroleum products through its pipelines.
As per Vanguard, the 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 the divestment of its assets from offshore operations.
Mr 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 Petroleum Resources.
The NIWA boss stated the debt has lingered on for too long and Shell must pay before it leaves the country.
“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 to take legal action over the matter,” he added.
Mr Oyebamiji explained that the leadership of the agency has been sceptical about making the matter public as it did everything to resolve the matter most amicably.
The development is the latest in NIWA’s running battle with some oil companies over the issue of indebtedness.
Now, it has decided to seek redress in court.