Business
FG stunned by Atiku’s alleged frustration to sell shares in Intels
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has expressed surprise at the allegation by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar that the Federal Government’s frustration of his businesses prompted his divestment from Integrated Logistic Services (INTELS) Nigeria Limited, the country’s largest logistics company providing comprehensive services for the nation’s oil and gas industry.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, explained that he sold off his shares in the company, which in 2015 he described as his most lucrative business, because of the alleged plots by the FG to destroy his business.
Reacting to the allegation, the minister asked for more time to make consultations and find out which policies of the Federal Government adversely affected Atiku’s business and forced him to sell off his shares in INTELS.
He said, “I will not be able to make any comment for now. I need to make consultations so that I will know which area of the Federal Government’s policies has impacted on his businesses; give me some time.”
Atiku, in a statement by his media aide, Paul Ibe, said the former vice president was forced to sell his shares in Intels to Orlean-Invest Group, Intels’ parent company, for various amounts totalling over $100 million in the deal that spanned two years.
Intels has had a running battle with the federal government, culminating in the cancellation of its 17-year-old contract with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for pilotage monitoring.
The Federal Government had in October 2017 directed the NPA to terminate the boats pilotage monitoring and supervision agreement that the agency has with Intels, saying that the contract was void ab initio.
The NPA had also accused Intels of refusing to remit to the federal government service boat pilotage revenue in the firm’s custody, which amounted to $207.646 million (N78.905 billion) as at September 30, 2019.
NPA said the money was aside from service boat pilotage revenue for January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020 amounting to $97.029 million, which adds up to $307.675 million (N115.775 billion) in the custody of Intels.
However, Intels had denied owing NPA to the tune of $145.8 million, insisting that NPA owes it over $750 million, giving to a possible recourse to litigation to resolve the dispute.
It was learnt that Atiku was paid $60 million, $29 million, $24.1 million in three instalments.
Intels also confirmed the deal, saying it had severed ties with Atiku and his family.
Atiku, in the statement, said he was redirecting his businesses through reinvestments.
He accused the government of destroying businesses meant to create jobs for Nigerians.
He said there should be a difference between politics and business.
The statement said, “Co-founder of Integrated Logistics Services Nigeria Limited (Intels), Atiku Abubakar, has been selling his shares in Intels over the years.
“It assumed greater urgency in the last five years, because this government has been preoccupied with destroying a legitimate business that was employing thousands of Nigerians because of politics.
“There should be a marked difference between politics and business. Yes, he has sold his shares in Intels and redirected his investment to other sectors of the economy for returns and creation of jobs.”
Also reacting, Intels said it had severed ties with Atiku, a major shareholder, and his family after the former vice president, through the family trust, Guernsey Trust International, sold his shares to Orlean-Invest Group, Intels’ parent company, between December 2018 and January 2019.
In a statement entitled: ‘Intels severs ties with Atiku,’ its spokesman, Mr. Tommaso Ruffinoni, the company, however, stated, “In the period between April and May 2020, Mr. Atiku Abubakar converted his remaining shares into a convertible bond that he subsequently monetised up to a residual sum of approximately $29m.
“When he requested to cash in the above-mentioned sum, our group contested to Mr. Atiku Abubakar a debt, towards our group, of $24.1m. Without having received any answer regarding the matter, on 30th of November 2020, Mr. Atiku Abubakar was informed about the set-off of such sum while we made available the remaining sum of $5.4m.
“With the completion of the above-mentioned transactions, the era of Mr. Atiku Abubakar family’s involvement with the Group Orlean-Intels is over.
“On 1st December 2020, our group terminated also the working relationship with Mr. Abubakar’s sons, Mr. Adamu Atiku-Abubakar and Mr. Aminu Atiku-Abubakar, and since that date, our group does not have any contacts, neither direct nor indirect, with members of Mr. Atiku Abubakar’s family.”
Auto
Easter travels: ABC Transport injects 2025 Toyota Hiace buses into operations
Easter travels: ABC Transport injects 2025 Toyota Hiace buses into operations
Ahead of Easter, ABC Transport Plc has added a fleet of brand new, 2025 model Toyota Hiace buses to its operations.
This, it said in a statement, was a strategic move to enhance customer satisfaction and operational reliability.
It aligns with the company’s mission of providing safer, more reliable, and comfortable travel experiences, particularly during the busy Easter season.
The new vehicles, which are equipped with state-of-the-art GPS trackers and speed limiter devices, are part of ABC Transport’s historic culture of prioritising passenger safety.
These features, which are standard across the company’s entire fleet, allow for real-time monitoring and ensure adherence to safe driving practices.
Apart from the fleet upgrade, ABC Transport recently concluded its quarterly Pre-Peak Season Crew Seminar, aimed at reinforcing the company’s commitment to safety, maintenance, and customer service ethics.
It said the seminar provided a platform to engage all crew members, focusing on best practices in vehicle handling, passenger care, and emergency preparedness.
Speaking on the importance of these initiatives, Managing Director of ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Jude Nneji, said, “Safety and service excellence are at the heart of everything we do at ABC Transport.
“The addition of these modern vehicles, coupled with our crew’s enhanced training, ensures that passengers can travel with peace of mind and enjoy an exceptional travel experience, even during the high-demand Easter season.”
The 2025 Toyota Hiace buses, known for their durability and fuel efficiency, also feature air-conditioned interiors and spacious seating, making them ideal for long-distance travel.
Designed to handle Nigeria’s road conditions, these vehicles further solidify ABC Transport’s reputation as a leader in the intercity transport sector.
Industry analysts view this dual approach—upgrading fleet technology and investing in human capital—as a testament to ABC Transport’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
This is also in line with the trend of new fleet injections and investments that have been noticed at ABC Transport since late last year following the acquisition of over 50 heavy duty trucks in their Haulage and Logistics subsidiaries as well as wide adoption of CNG in its Haulage division.
ABC Transport Plc is Nigeria’s foremost provider of intercity and regional transport services, known for its focus on innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction.
It is also the most diversified and only publicly quoted transport company in Nigeria listed on the Nigerian Stock exchange.
Business
Naira rises to N1,618/$ in parallel market
Naira rises to N1,618/$ in parallel market
The naira yesterday appreciated to N1, 618 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,620 per dollar on Monday.
But, the Naira depreciated to N1,604 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).
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Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed that the indicative exchange rate for the naira rose to N1,604 per dollar from N1,599 per dollar on Monday, indicating N5 depreciation for the naira.
Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rate narrowed to N14 per dollar from N21 Monday.
Naira rises to N1,618/$ in parallel market
Insurance
Lasaco Assurance Plc attains ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification for Information Security Management
Lasaco Assurance Plc attains ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification for Information Security Management
Lasaco Assurance Plc, one of the leading insurance companies in Nigeria, is pleased to announce that it has successfully obtained the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, a globally recognized benchmark for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).
This certification comes after a thorough and detailed re-certification audit, validating its commitment to upholding the highest standards in information security and cybersecurity.
The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification highlights Lasaco’s ongoing efforts to protect confidential information, manage risks, and enhance its approach to information security, aligning with global best practices.
Speaking on this new development, the Managing Director, Lasaco Assurance Plc, Mr. Razzaq Abiodun, said, “We are incredibly proud of this achievement, which demonstrates our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and continuous improvement.
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“In today’s digital age, ensuring the safety and security of sensitive information is of paramount importance, and this certification reaffirms our commitment to being a trusted and responsible organization.”
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 offers a structured framework for managing and securing critical business information, ensuring that all aspects of the organization’s information security are addressed through proactive risk management. This certification affirms Lasaco Assurance’s robust commitment to safeguarding sensitive data against emerging cyber threats.
“Moving forward, we remain dedicated to ensuring the highest level of information security, compliance, and excellence in all our operations,” the Head of IT, Lasaco Assurance, Mr. Dimeji Ogundele said.
The company extends its deepest gratitude to its entire team, clients, and partners whose support was pivotal to achieving this certification. Lasaco Assurance Plc is a composite insurance company, providing a wide range of insurance solutions.
With a rich history of trust, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Lasaco continues to deliver reliable and cutting-edge services to individuals, businesses, and government institutions.
Lasaco Assurance Plc attains ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification for Information Security Management
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