By Stephen Simon
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has granted three indigenous Niger Delta contractors and the Nigerian Army additional time to out-of-court terms over an alleged 33-month unpaid houseboat rental debt.
Justice Stephen Pam adjourned the matter to October 22, 2026, directing all parties to return and brief the court on the outcome of their ongoing compromise discussions.
The suit was filed by Peaches Integrated Services Limited, Etucom Integrated Services Limited, and Godsam Industrial Services Limited. Named as defendants are the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe, among others.
The plaintiffs, who provide critical houseboat infrastructure to support military counter-oil theft and security operations across the Niger Delta waterways, are asking the court to compel the defendants to liquidate the accumulated 33-month rent. They are also seeking the immediate release of their vessels to perform essential maintenance.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, lead counsel to the plaintiffs, Reuben Wanogho, told the court that the third defendant—the Commander, JTF Operation Delta Safe—had formally requested a settlement proposal to resolve the claims outside trial.
Wanogho requested an adjournment to allow both sides to finalize negotiations, expressing optimism that a mutually acceptable resolution could be reached without further litigation.
Justice Pam granted the application, putting the matter on hold until October 22 for a formal report on the resolution efforts.
However, counsel to the first defendant (the Attorney General of the Federation), I.K. Diri, informed the court that his office had not yet been formally notified of the ongoing settlement talks.
The judicial respite comes on the heels of public protests by employees of the three contracting firms in Port Harcourt. The workers demonstrated against severe economic hardship caused by the prolonged non-payment, citing months of back wages, unkept operational expenses, and rising domestic strain.
Appealing directly to President Bola Tinubu, the affected workers and contractors urged the Federal Government to intervene, clear the outstanding bills, and order the release of their houseboats so they can carry out repairs and resume commercial operations.
