Three Niger Delta companies, Peaches Integrated Services Ltd., Etucom Integrated Services Ltd., and Godsam Industrial Services Ltd., have appealed to President Bola Tinubu for the settlement of 33-month military rental arrears. The companies provide houseboats to the Nigerian military as floating operational bases for troops deployed under Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta creeks. The houseboats offer accommodation and feeding facilities for troops operating in areas without barracks, landing facilities, or other shelters.
The companies have alleged that payments for the vessels had remained outstanding for 33 months despite the continued deployment of the boats and their personnel. This prolonged delay has placed severe financial pressure on the businesses and affected workers, including marine engineers, deckhands, cooks, security personnel, riggers, and drivers. Many workers have gone months without salaries, making it difficult for them to meet basic obligations such as school fees, medical expenses, and house rents.
The firms have raised concerns about the maintenance of the vessels, stressing that houseboats require regular dry-docking, servicing, and recertification to remain operational and safe. Some of the vessels have remained in continuous service without undergoing the required maintenance cycles. The companies have called for their release in rotation to enable necessary repairs and certification.
The companies' workers, affected by the alleged non-payment, staged a peaceful march in Port Harcourt in August to draw attention to their plight. The protest was not directed against the Nigerian Army, according to the companies. The Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, had requested a proposal towards an amicable resolution of the dispute.
The matter is currently before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, but the companies' appeal to the President is not intended to interfere with the judicial process. They have urged the Minister of Defence and the Office of the National Security Adviser to verify the alleged outstanding claims and facilitate their settlement.
The companies have proposed a structured payment framework for indigenous houseboat and marine service providers contracted by the Armed Forces. This would provide greater certainty for local businesses supporting military operations. Resolving the payment dispute would enable the companies to maintain their vessels, meet workers' obligations, and continue providing marine support to troops operating in difficult terrain.
The companies are seeking payment for services they allege have been ordered, rendered, and accepted. They have appealed for an administrative resolution of the outstanding claims, saying this would support indigenous businesses and protect the livelihoods of workers dependent on the companies. The campaign for the payment of the arrears is being promoted under the hashtag #PayTheBoatOwners.
Key points
- The three Niger Delta companies are seeking payment of 33-month military rental arrears for houseboats provided to the Nigerian military.
- The companies have proposed a structured payment framework for indigenous houseboat and marine service providers contracted by the Armed Forces.
- Resolving the payment dispute would enable the companies to maintain their vessels, meet workers' obligations, and continue providing marine support to troops operating in difficult terrain.
