The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has awarded a debt recovery contract to Snecou Financial Services Company Nigeria Limited, a company allegedly owned by the Rivers State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Davies Akanya.
This is similar to that initially awarded to Global World Vessel Services Nigeria Limited (GWVSNL) linked to former Niger Delta Militant, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, by the Jonathan administration in 2011. The GWVSNL contract was cancelled when President Buhari came to power last year.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, however describes the Snecou contract as “a debt recovery assignment which is totally different from what GWVSNL was doing for NIMASA”.
Although the actual value of the contract has not been disclosed, it is believed to be structured in the form of a fixed monthly retainer as well as a commission of between 13 and 15 percent on debts recovered by Snecou from NIMASA’s debtors. The contract is for an initial period of two years, and is renewable.
NIMASA is currently owed as much as $5 billion by shipping companies.
