Intels, seems to be in a season of battles as the Oil and Gas Processing Zone Authority (OGPZA) has commenced a probe into the company’s affairs for the past 10 years at the Onne Free Trade Zone. Intels has recently been embroiled in a battle with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA0 over its plans to terminate a pilotage contract. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had also recently issued a demand notice over unpaid taxes.
The allegations against Intels
In a letter dated, written by the Managing Director of the OGPZA Umana Okon Umana, Intels was alleged to have sold off assets imported into the free trade zone, without paying duties. The company by this action, had breached Section 12.6 (a-b) of the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Act.
Umana, also accused Intels of operating on an expired free trade zone licence, which the company had failed to renew, since December 31st 2016.
Intels reply
In a letter addressed to the OGPZA, Intels called the allegations spurious and injurious to its business. The company accused the agency of not releasing its 2017 operating licence, despite paying a renewal fee. Intels, also accused the OGPZA of illegally levying land charges on the premises it was using, which belong to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The company, has also threatened to take the agency to court, if it fails to release the licence.
“If you fail or neglect to release the said License within five days of receipt of this letter, we shall have no option but to take appropriate legal steps to compel the OGFZA to release our 2017 FZ Operating License along with all other services and benefits ancillary thereto and accruing to us as FZ Licensee, including the grant of expatriate quotas and re-designations thereof as validly applied for,”
