Court Freezes Activities at Onne Port Berth 12, Warns Parties Against Transactions

Activities at Berth 12 of the Onne Port Complex have been frozen by a Rivers State High Court order. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and International Container Terminal Services Nigeria Limited (ICTSI Nigeria Limited) are prohibited from conducting any operations related to the berth. This directive stems from a lawsuit filed by Deep Offshore Services Nigeria Limited against the NPA and ICTSI Nigeria Limited.

Justice A.I. N. Akpughule, sitting in Port Harcourt, issued the order on July 17, 2026, in Suit No. NHC/1/CS/2025. The court mandated that all parties "stay all actions relating to the subject matter of this suit until the ruling on the motions after vacation." This measure is intended to maintain the current state of affairs at Berth 12 until the court adjudicates on the pending applications.

The claimant's counsel, Ama Etuwewe, SAN, emphasized that no party may execute lease agreements, grant new interests, undertake construction, take possession, or commence development at the facility. Furthermore, Etuwewe issued a stern warning to investors, financial institutions, contractors, prospective lessees, buyers, government agencies, and other stakeholders. They are strictly forbidden from entering into any transaction concerning Berth 12 while the court order is in effect. Any such transaction executed in violation of the order could be declared void and confer no legal rights.

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stay all actions relating to the subject matter of this suit until the ruling on the motions after vacation.