Why UK-based firm threatens to pull out – Official

A United Kingdom-based company, Somerset Freight Company Limited, has listed reasons why it is threatening to pull out from Nigeria.

The company operating in the Niger Delta region manages vessels, provides petroleum products storage facility and a blending plant.

Sunday Punch had reported on October 31, 2010, quoting an official of the company, Mr. Peter Ibogbe, that it was threatening to close shop in Nigeria because of unconducive operating environment and a suit that had dragged in a High Court.

But giving details of the problems, Somerset is facing in the country, in a press statement, the Country Representative of the firm, Mr. Jonbosco Olai, alleged that some top Federal Government officials were frustrating their activities, because they refused to pay them gratification.

Olai, an engineer, said that officials of the company and its Nigerian partner, Chief Henry Omorodion, had been facing undue pressure and blackmail from these top government officials, who he claimed, have connections in the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011211194659