Maritime firms cancel end-of-year-parties over recession

The end-of-year party which is a tradition by organisations in the maritime industry could not hold this year due to the economic downturn that has hit the country, findings have revealed.

Investigations conducted by our correspondent revealed that notable hospitality outfits within the port city of Apapa are also affected by the low end-of-the-year activities by maritime companies in the last quarter of 2016.

Employees of some organisations in the maritime sector who spoke to our correspondent confirmed that the economy situation did not encourage companies to organise end- of-year parties.

However, Nigerian Tribune  confirmed from sources at Rockview Hotel in Apapa, one of the venues of many End-Of-The-Year parties last year, that there has been a low patronage, and that fewer companies have been organising end-of-year parties this year when compared to 2015 and 2014, respectively.

A staff of the hotel who spoke on condition of anonymity informed Nigerian Tribune that 2016 witnessed an all-time low patronage, especially as it concerns companies’ end-of -year parties.

Also, speaking on the development, General Manager, Clarion Off-Dock Terminal; Chief Frank Okocha said that it used to be a tradition for the company to celebrate end-of-year, but, he lamented that 2016 has been a difficult one for the company.

According to him, the company in 2015 celebrated its end of year party at Orchard Hotel Apapa with glitz and glamour, but there is no provision of such in 2016.

He added that, “it is very tough this year to throw resources about for the sake of celebration.”

Okocha said issues like forex; government policy on vehicles importation and other maritime related policies were major factors why some companies in the industry cannot celebrate at the end of the year.