The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said the investigation of Global West Nigeria Limited, a company owned by former militant leader, Government Ekpumopolo, aka Tompolo, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had stalled the contract with the Federal Government had with the firm.
The Federal Government under the leadership of former President Goodluck Jonathan was said to have approved a maritime security contract with Tompolo’s company in 2011.
But the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said the contract was currently being stalled as a result of EFCC’s investigation of the company.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Peterside explained that though the contract with the firm was still subsisting, its (contract) was no longer enforceable as a result of the ongoing inquiry by the anti-graft agency.
Peterside, however, noted that NIMASA was communicating with the fIrm with a view to resolving issues concerning the contract.
According to him, “The Global West contract is still subsisting, even though it is not enforceable because Global West is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. That has made it impossible for us to derive the requisite benefit in that contract.
He pointed out that the new board of NIMASA had brought change to the agency through motivation of workers, adding that while 300 workers were promoted, the agency has attracted more technical training than in previous years.
Peterside disclosed that the board of NIMASA had approved the construction of a multi-storey building that would house its Zonal Office in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.