Competitors behind media attacks on Intels – Group

THE Concerned Maritime Professionals (CMP) has condemned incessant media attacks on leading logistics service provider, Intels Nigeria Limited.

In a letter sent to Acting President Yemi Osibajo, copies of which were made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the group said the attack was being sponsored by competitors for selfish motives.

“Our attention has been drawn to incessant attacks in the media against private terminal operators in the Nigerian maritime industry, especially Intels Nigeria Ltd, which is one of the few thriving businesses and the largest employer of labour in the maritime sector.

“Despite the harsh economic environment, the company has weathered the storm, offering world-class services that could compete both nationally and internationally.

“Recently we have seen organized attacks in the media against the company that has served as robust revenue source for the government especially at this time when so many companies are on bended knees. We consider this uncalled for more so when the attacks are obviously sponsored by competitors and are politically motivated,” CMP said in the letter signed titled need to call to order competitors who are sponsoring media attacks against intels Nigeria limited and signed by its Coordinator, Mazi Charles Obi.

CMP said while it is not holding brief for Intels and would stand up for any company in Nigeria unjustly pummeled by any group, it wants the Federal Government to caution media houses from being used by competitors to run down the few thriving businesses in Nigeria.

“Recently we see the trend of attacks against Intels Nigeria Ltd, ranging from unfounded allegations of monopoly and alleged indebtedness. The entire plot by competitor’s smell of mischief.

“To be sure, Intels is not the only company in the Onne free zone and so cannot be accused of monopoly. There are close to 200 firms that operate in the zone with each of them professionally managed and duly regulated by appropriate agencies of government. Intels has operated in the zone for three decades and made meaningful contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.

“Other operators have the freedom to break the so called monopoly by investing heavily in the maritime sector, just as Intels has done over three decades and not to be giving excuses why it should seek to compromise the integrity of Intels and subvert the guidelines and procedures of a constituted authority.

“On the alleged indebtedness of Intels to NPA, we have it on good authority that Intels has written letters to NPA asking for reconciliation of accounts. Rather than resort to media lynching, both organisations should be given the opportunity to set up a committee to reconcile contentious areas in line with the concession agreement. Media attacks against this reputable Nigerian company will do no one any good,” the group said.

“We call on His Excellency the Acting President to prevail on the media not to allow itself to be used by competitors to malign a company that provides more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs in the country, as this will send the wrong signal to foreign investors especially at this critical time when the country is in dire need of foreign direct investment,” it added.