Importers under the aegis of the ‘Coalition for Better Nigeria’ have accused both Ministries of Transport, and Trade and Investment, of aiding and abetting the alleged monopolistic drive of Intels, operator of the Onne Oil and Gas Zone in Rivers State.
In a statement, the group’s Coordinator, Mr. Fubara Ipalibo, said the move by INTELS to be the sole service provider at the Oil and Gas Zone would not only undermine the investment and growth of indigenous competitors, but may further truncate the development agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Ipalibo was particularly irked by the total disregard for the roles and regulations guiding operating at the zone including recommendations by a committee set up by government to further regulate the activities of operators. He alleged that the Ministry of Trade and Investment has continually refused to implement the directive of government on the operations of Free Trade Zones policy in Nigeria.
In another development, the immediate past chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Port Harcourt Area 1 Port Chapter, Obi Chima, has accused the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) of favouring Onne Port over Port Harcourt Area Port.
Obi said that while Onne port is bursting with activities, facilities at Port Harcourt Area Port are left to idle away.
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