Workers Groan As Army, Boat Owners Seek Settlement Over 33 Months Unpaid Rental Services
Idowu Sylvester The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has given three indigenous houseboat contractors in the Niger Delta and the Nigerian Army a fresh opportunity to
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has granted a new chance for the Nigerian Army, boat owners, and three local houseboat contractors to reach a fair agreement over unpaid rental services spanning 33 months. Judge Stephen Pam set the matter aside on Monday, with a return date of October 22, 2026, for the parties to review the progress of their settlement talks.
The legal dispute was brought forth by Peaches Integrated Services Limited, Etucom Integrated Services Limited, and Godsam Industrial Services Limited, who claim the defendants—this includes the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief of Defence Staff, and Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Delta Safe—owe them overdue rents accumulated over the three-year period, as well as the return of their boats for upkeep.
During the court session, the plaintiffs' lawyer, Mr. Reuben Wanogho, requested the court grant time for the parties to explore settlement options, expressing optimism that a resolution could be reached outside of further court proceedings. Judge Pam ruled to adjourn the case until October 22, to allow for the parties to report back on the outcome of the settlement discussions. However, counsel representing one of the defendants, I.K. Diri, admitted to not having knowledge of the proposed settlement.
This situation comes after houseboat workers staged a protest in Port Harcourt, voicing concerns over the financial distress caused by the ongoing non-payment for the houseboats leased to the Nigerian Army. The affected workers underscored the adverse impact on their livelihoods, with some reportedly facing unpaid wages and mounting family obligations.
They implored President Bola Tinubu to step in and encourage the relevant authorities to settle the outstanding debts. The contractors themselves also urged the Federal Government to help pay the outstanding amounts and secure the release of their boats. They expressed anticipation that the October 22 settlement report would be a turning point in the dispute, allowing them to retrieve their boats, perform necessary maintenance, and restore them to active service.
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