Court Warns Investors Against Deals Over Onne Port Berth 12

The Rivers State High Court has warned investors, financial institutions, contractors and other stakeholders against entering into any transaction involving Berth 12 at the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne Port Complex, pending the determination of a legal dispute over the facility.

The court also ordered the International Container Terminal Services Nigeria Limited (ICTSI Nigeria Limited) to suspend all activities relating to Berth 12 until it rules on pending applications before it.

The order was made on 17 July 2026 by the High Court sitting in Port Harcourt in Suit No. NHC/1/CS/2025, instituted by Deep Offshore Services Nigeria Limited against ICTSI Nigeria Limited.

Counsel to the claimant, Ama Etuwewe, disclosed that the court directed all parties to maintain the status quo and “stay all actions relating to the subject matter of this suit until the ruling on the motions after vacation.”

According to him, the order is intended to preserve the existing condition of Berth 12 pending the court’s ruling on the applications, which have been adjourned until 23 September 2026.

He explained that the order prohibits all parties from executing lease agreements, granting new rights or interests, commencing construction, taking possession of the facility, carrying out development works or engaging in any activity capable of altering the current state of Berth 12.

Etuwewe specifically cautioned investors, banks, contractors, prospective lessees, buyers, government agencies and other interested parties to avoid any dealings concerning the berth while the court order remains in force.

He warned that any lease, assignment, financing arrangement, memorandum of understanding, sale, sublease or similar transaction entered into in violation of the court’s directive could be declared null and void, with no legal protection or enforceable rights accruing to the parties involved.

The senior advocate further stated that any deliberate breach of the court’s order could expose individuals or organisations to contempt proceedings and other legal sanctions under Nigerian law.

He urged the public and all stakeholders to comply fully with the court’s directive and refrain from any transaction relating to Berth 12 until the pending applications are determined or the order is varied by the court.