Former Vice-President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has explained his role in one of his companies Integrated Logistics Services (Intels) while responding to an online letter written by comedian Francis Agoda popularly known as “I Go Die”.
The company was recently embroiled in a war of words with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) over the termination of a pilotage agreement, but has sought a truce. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) then issued the company a notice over unpaid taxes. Most recently, Intels clashed with the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) over its refusal to renew its operating licence at the Onne Ports. This has led to the revocation of permits given to its expatriate staff and the exit of several associate companies pulling out from the zone.
I Go Die in the letter advised the former vice-president to stop using sentimental empathy on the youths to express his political ambitions accusing the former vice-president of immensely benefiting from Nigeria.
Francis also accused Intels of sharp practices which led to the revocation of its pilotage contracts with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). He challenged the former Vice-President to leave the stage for youths in the country.
In his response Atiku debunked claims that he fraudulently acquired wealth while in office. He also used the medium to tell his Intel story.
How Intels Started
According to Atiku, the Shehu Shagari government started the Onne Port and later abandoned it. Himself and his business partner (Gabriele Volpi),saw an opportunity and took loans to build the facilities. The company has expanded to several countries in Africa. He described Intels as a company he started as part of his “side hustle” while in paid employement.
Contributions to the community
Atiku also mentioned the various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Intels company had sponsored in its local community from scholarships to the football league.
“We invest in scholarships, hire young people from the community and train them to become world class technicians. we have gone into partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation to train young Nigerian footballers, and provide support for the local league.”
Integrated Logistics Services Nigeria Limited (Intels) was founded in 1982. The company is into shipping and logistics services in several ports in the country.
