By Dipo Olowookere
The deplorable state of Nigerdock Nigeria Plc, a company privatised by the government, has become a source of worry for the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), which handled its sale.
Director General of the BPE, Mr Alex Okoh, during a meeting with management of Nigerdock, described as regrettable the state of the company.
According to him, it is unfortunate that a company capable of employing about 6,000 Nigerians off the labour market and boosting the Nigerian local content policy, had only about 500 employees thus; negating the core essence of privatization.
He said his agency was committed to the full realization of the potentials of the integrated engineering and fabrication firm.
While receiving a report of the BPE/Nigerdock Joint Committee on the resolution of outstanding issues in the company in Abuja on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, Mr Okoh explained that the joint committee was set up to look into the issues militating against its operations.
The DG disclosed that the necessary frame work would be put in place to ensure that the company is patronized locally since it has the capability to deliver on its mandate.
“We shall look closely at all the issues militating against the smooth operation of Nigerdock.
“Patronage should not be denied the company because it has the capability to deliver. We should do everything possible to ensure that the company assumes its pride of place,” he stressed.
The Director-General stated that the report would be carefully studied and its recommendations escalated to the appropriate authorities for action.
Earlier, a director of the company, General IBM Haruna (rtd), had pledged the commitment of the board to collaborate with the BPE to ensure that the company survives and realizes its potentials.
He said the company apart from its core functions, was capable of conducting research for the Navy and Army if fully supported by the government.
The director expressed the hope that with the synergy with the BPE, that was achievable and called for openness, integrity and transparency.
Presenting the report, General Counsel of Nigerdock, Mr Adewale Dosunmu, said it was in two parts and also proffered short-term and long term solutions to move the company forward.
Adedapo Adesanya