Rivers

PH High Court Fixes July 16, To Rule On N5.74bn Suit Claim By Indigenous Contractor, Macobarb Against NLNG

Published

8 months ago

June 20, 2025

A Port Harcourt High Court Rivers State headed by Justice Chinwendu Nwogu is going to decide and rule on July 16, 2025, in suit number PHC/2013/CS/2022.

The fixing of date of judgment came on June 24, 2025, after counsels for both parties adopted and adumbrated their final written addresses, each seeking to convince the judge to rule in his client’s favour.

The trial judge will unravel wether or not did the NLNG breach a contract it awarded to an indigenous contractor, Macobarb International Limited, years ago and wether the breach lead to costs as high as N5.74Bn ?

Macobarb had sued NLNG claiming that it breached the terms of contract and that this breach led to various costs amounting to N5.74bn, saying the contract was deemed to still be running and that cost is rising.

Adopting their address, the lead counsel to Macobarb, Benefit Vilokpo, said “Claimants have shown by their pleadings and documentary evidence that NLNG breached its terms of contract, and that Macobarb has demonstrated that the purported letter of termination dated 27th November, 2015, is unlawful, null, and void.”

Counsel also said contract agreement made several provisions for ‘Standby Payments’ and that Claimants have also shown that they are entitled to Standby Payments.

The claimants lead counsel submitted in his adopted final address what he considered issues for determination, thus: “Whether the Claimants have proved their case as required by law to be entitled to the reliefs sought in this case (a. Whether the purported termination letter dated 27th November 2015 was valid in view of the provisions of the contract Agreement).”

The Claimants built their claim on the ground that the person that terminated the contract (Emeka Ohiri) was not known to the contract. Rather, it is the Contract Holder, Dweller Francis, that was known to the contract and that the said Francis never served Macobarb any termination letter.

The claimant counsel also said and pointed to the sections in their final address that the contract provided for standdown time.

Another prong on which the claimant wanted the judge to consider an opinion is whether the Defendant (NLNG) fulfilled the terms and conditions of the Close-out Meeting.

The Claimants final address noted that to demonstrate that the Contract is still in existence, the Defendant, NLNG, called for a meeting on the February 19, 2016 termed “Project close-out meeting”. The contract close-out meeting with signatures of all the attendees (Exhibit YJ 5) showed where it was stated that to close out the contract, NLNG will have to establish what the costs for the materials delivered to NLNG were, as well as the cost for demobilising and to prepare the payment Certificates for all items of the contract executed by the contractor”.

Macobarb asked the court to view it that the Contract is yet to be closed out; to also note that the Defendant (NLNG) admitted receipt of materials including 20ft container from the Claimants.

NLNG key positions:

The NLNG lead counsel, Prof Bayo Aderelegbe, on the other hand, wants the Court to determine whether the second claimant was a party to the contract and can sue in respect of the contract. Macobarb countered this in their address that this contention by the NLNF had earlier been dismissed by the same court and judge when it was raised during preliminary objection and that in fact, the judge had awarded a fine of N200,000 against the NLNG.

The NLNG counsel also wants the Court to determine whether the Defendant (NLNG) breached the contract as alleged by the Claimants; whether the Defendant wrongfully terminated the Contract; and whether the Claimants were entitled to the N5.74Bn.

During adoption and adumbration of the final addresses on June 24, 2025, the defence lead counsel asked the court to dismiss the claim by Macobarb on the ground that the termination of contract was legitimate and was done by the rightful party. Adarelegbe said the contract provided lumpsum amount and that the claim by Macobarb was outside the amount so provided and that it did not have any basis.

The Claimant’s counsel however countered in his address to the court saying that the Defendant did not challenge the amount submitted by the Claimants’ principal witness, the forensic accountant, and quoted Supreme Court’s position on such matter.

The Claimants’ counsel also said the Defendant did not plead any alternative figure in their statement of defence as being a more realistic or reasonable figure.

Another crucial matter both parties addressed is the issue of ‘Performance Bond’ mentioned in the contract. The NLNG submitted that the Claimant (contractor) failed to submit it within 14 days and that this was the basis for termination of the contract.

The Claimants (Macobarb) counsel countered that the contract did not state who was to submit the Performance Bond between the contractor and the contract owner. Macobarb thus asked the court to note that both parties failed on that and thus ‘deviated’, and that by law, deviation would be regarded as mutual and thus not punishable.

Macobarb further asked the court to note that it was 16 months after commencement of contract that the NLNG wrote to demand for it as well as submitted the sample of the performance bond. The Claimant therefore argued that the Performance Bond did not stop the contract from performing for up to 18 months.

The Claimant’s counsel particularly drew the attention of the court to a section of the defendant’s address and said by NLNG’s admission that by November 27, 2025, that the contract was ‘coming to an end’ meant that they admitted that the contract was yet to come to an end by that time. She said this amounted to inconsistency which she said is not admissible in law. She attempted to quote authorities on that.

The judge is thus to determine if the Performance Bond was so crucial in the contract to warrant termination of the job, and if the right person known to the contract carried out the termination.

Macobarb particularly drew the attention of the court to the many steps they took up to the Nigerian Senate seeking peaceful resolution, but to no avail, probably to show that the company (Macobarb) was not just being a troublesome contractor.

It seems to be these decisions that would lead to whether NLNG owed Macobarb any amount at all and if such debt is up to N5.74bn.

A highpoint in the addresses by both counsels was when the judge, Chinwendu Nwogu, reminded Macobarb’s counsel (Vilokpo) that any new authorities quoted during adumbration that were not contained in their original address were not going to be recorded or regarded.

The outcome of the controversial case seems very sensitive because of its criticality in how multinational companies and their indigenous contractors handled disputes, now and in the future.

Rivers

Terrorism: COAS Makes Case For Local Intelligence Gathering

Published

6 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said robust local intelligence gathering is the most effective weapon in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent crime.

He, therefore, urged communities across the country to take ownership of security efforts through active collaboration with the military.

Shaibu gave the advice in his message at the 7th edition of the Nigerian Army Key Stakeholders Engagement Forum themed “Taking the Nigerian Army to the Communities,” in Port Harcourt recently.

Represented at the event by the Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, Major General J.E. Osifo, the Army Chief emphasized that security was a collective responsibility that demands a whole-of-society approach.

He stressed that the Nigerian Army draws its strength from the support of citizens and communities, noting that cooperation from the civil populace significantly boosts the morale and operational effectiveness of troops engaged in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

Shaibu also identified militancy in the Niger Delta, terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and separatist agitations in the South-East as pressing security challenges requiring coordinated national action and credible intelligence from the grassroots.

According to him, synergy with key stakeholders remains a central pillar of the Army’s strategy, as sustainable national security and economic development can only be achieved in a peaceful and stable environment.

As a way forward, he called on traditional institutions, faith leaders and civil society organizations to use their influence to promote unity and discourage criminality within their communities, describing them as critical partners in intelligence gathering and conflict prevention.

While acknowledging that counter-terrorism campaigns often record both successes and losses, the Army Chief said collaboration between the military and the public was indispensable to securing lasting victories on the battlefield.

He urged participants at the forum to contribute meaningfully to discussions, identify operational gaps and propose practical solutions that would strengthen trust and improve engagement between soldiers and civilians.

In his keynote address, retired Brigadier General, and traditional ruler of Abuloma Kingdom, Ateke Fiboinumama, underscored the importance of leadership in reducing crime, noting that effective engagement with community leaders can significantly curb insecurity.

Fiboinumama highlighted the Army’s non-kinetic interventions in Rivers State, including medical outreaches and disaster response efforts, and called for honesty within communities, stressing that while the military owes citizens protection, communities owe the military cooperation.

Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, outlined ongoing initiatives such as scholarships, literacy competitions, medical missions and public complaint channels, as the forum concluded with a panel discussion to reinforce trust, transparency and sustained partnership as essential ingredients for restoring peace and stability nationwide.

The event had in attendance traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups and other stakeholders who deliberated on strengthening civil-military relations.

King Onunwor

Rivers

CareerFest 2026 Begins In PH Today

Published

6 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

Fasthire Services, in collaboration with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Rivers State Chapter, will begin a two-day career development and job creation event in Port Harcourt, today.

The event known as Fasthire CareerFest 2026, is expected to attract over 1,000 job opportunities, with employers actively recruiting across various sectors.

According to the organisers, CareerFest 2026 is designed to be a high-impact platform that goes beyond a traditional job fair, and will also feature career exhibitions and professional guidance sessions, aimed at helping participants navigate career pathways, professional development, and long-term career planning.

There will be virtual sessions and industry conversations today, and physical conference and job fair in Port Harcourt tomorrow.

The hybrid event scheduled to hold at Celebra8 Event Center, Olu Obasanjo Road, Port Harcourt, will feature three core components including career and industry conference, involving keynote sessions, panel discussions and fireside chats with Human Resources leaders, business executives, policymakers, and industry experts.

It will also feature a job fair and recruitment hub with direct engagement between employers and job seekers, as well as one-on-one career counselling, mentorship and exhibitions.

The organisers said CareerFest 2026 is open to students, fresh graduates, job seekers, professionals, recruiters, business leaders, and anyone seeking career clarity, growth, or new opportunities.

They called on members of the public, employers who have vacancies and want to recruit, and professionals to register and participate in what is positioned as one of the most impactful career and employment-focused events in the South-South region.

The vision for CareerFest was originally conceived by Fasthire Services and has since received strong buy-in and strategic support from PHCCIMA and CIPM Rivers, reflecting a shared commitment to workforce development, youth empowerment, and sustainable employment.

Other strategic partners supporting the event include NTA, 3MTT, Google Developer Group (GDG) Port Harcourt, SMFest, and other companies and organisations that are committed to skills development, innovation, and employment creation.

With strong institutional backing, a clear employment focus, and a growing network of partners, Fasthire CareerFest 2026 is positioned to play a meaningful role in shaping careers, strengthening the workforce, and driving inclusive economic growth in Rivers State and beyond.

Rivers

Etche Clan Urges Govt On Chieftaincy Recognition

Published

6 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Cultural officer of Etche Ethnic Nationality, Eze Charles Nweke, has warned government against recognizing anyone not installed by the Onyeishi Etche, His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, as Onyeishi Agwurus or Clan head in Etche and Omuma local government areas.

Eze Nweke, who said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, also called on Etche sons and daughters to respect the culture and traditions of Etche ethnic nationality.

He said the advice to the government has become necessary in order to preserve the sanctity of the Etche chieftaincy institution.

Nweke, who described Oche ENB Opurum as the custodian of the traditions of Etche ethnic nationality, said the Etche monarch has laid down the ground norms of the culture and traditions of his people, adding that what is needed is for both government and the people to accord it proper respect.

He listed clans in Etche to include Igbo Agwuru Asa, Okehi, Omuma, Ozuzu, Ulakwo Umuselem, and Mba.

According to him, dding these clans already have their heads who are all subservient to the Oche of Etche ethnic nationality .

Nweke said others below the Onyeishi Agwurus are special chieftaincy titles, the Ochimbas, Mgbaragidas, as well as Ogbetis and Ada Etche, who he said can come from any of the clans

Nweke also stressed the need for all community heads and clan heads in Etche nation to appreciate Oche ENB Opurum for his wisdom in bringing Etche nation together.

He said as the custodian of Etche culture, Oche ENB Opurum has not only laid foundation for a prosperous Etche as far as the Chieftaincy institution was concerned, but has also made sons and daughters of Etche proud by ensuring orderliness in the tradition and culture of Etche.

He stated that Oche ENB Opurum has laid foundation as far as the traditional institution of Etche was concerned, especially in the order of importance.

Nweke continued that Etche tradition must be respected because it is the only way Etche nation can continue to move forward.

He said it beholves sons and daughters of Etche to respect the Monarch by keeping to the tenet of the Etche culture and traditions.

The Chief Cultural officer also said all the Chieftaincy stools in Etche, including the stool of the Oche, are not hereditary, and that inline with Etche tradition, the Oche stool rotates from clan to clan while onyeishi Agwuru/special chieftaincy titles rotates from town to town, Ochimba stool rotates from village to village, while the Mgbiragidas rotate from compound to compound.

John Bibor