The efforts to get this interview over with took a couple of weeks. And when it was time to see it through, Intels’ respect for ‘division of labour’ came up. The lot eventually fell on Dr. Ayibaemi Ken Fashola; the organisation’s Regional Media and Marketing Communications Manager for West Africa. Like a typical round peg in a round hole, he espoused what Intels stood for. And by the way, Dr. Fashola is also Vice Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, a UN Peace Ambassador and the National Chairman of the Publicity Committee of the Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria.
Your organisation, Intels is certainly doing very well, how did it all start?
The making of Intels Nigeria Limited, which is today a “big name”, (if I am to quote you) in the provision of logistics services particularly in Onne ports, has a long but short history. Its foundation lies in the founding fathers of the company, especially Gabrielle Volpi. It was his vision, foresight and faith in Nigeria that has today fruitioned into what you now see and described as “doing well”. Our founder, Volpi is blessed with dexterous business creativity and initiative. This explains why he could tap into the corporate need of Agip Oil Company in 1982 to give birth to what was then known as NICOTES, an acronym for Nigeria Container Terminal Services. It was believed that Agip was in dire need of stacking arrears for its pipelines and thus, the enterprising ‘GV’, as he is popularly called moved in to the rescue with NICOTES. This apart, Gabrielle Volpi also saw a unique opportunity to further contribute to the economic growth of his beloved country, Nigeria, which he has fallen in love with as his second home, way back in 1976 when he first came to Nigeria as the Managing Director of Medafrica Shipping. NICOTES was latter to graduate, 13 years later into the present multinational maritime logistics conglomerate known as Intels Nigeria Limited (Integrated Logistics Services) with head office in the Oil and Gas capital of Nigeria , Port-Harcourt, Rivers State ).
What will you consider to be the most challenging issues when Intels came to Onne port complex and how were they tackled
There is no doubt that Intels along side Brawal Shipping inherited an undeveloped large land mass within Onne at the onset. The major challenge for us at Intels was to adopt aggressive measures to improve the land space at our disposal in Onne and other places. Part of the strategy Intels Nigeria Limited adopted in its genuine drive to reposition its facilities, is the company’s policy to employ a very qualified and aggressive staff team. These teams supported its effort at large improvement of its facilities, improved marketing strategy that enhanced its success in its move towards deep water explorations. As at today, a visit to Onne Port Complex will reveal evidence of overwhelming new improvements on a routine basis, and more is being expected. For purposes of emphasis, another major challenge we faced right from the onset was the paucity of specialized oil and gas cargo labour force. Thus, skilled manpower became our major thrust if we were to guarantee safety, quality health and environment of our operations. As you must be aware of, the cargoes in the oil and gas industry are very specialised and sensitive; thus could not be handled by routine dockworkers. This gave us a unique challenge which was met head-on with the specialize trained labour force today known as OSBAS. Furthermore, in addressing these problems, Intels had to bring in some personnel from established Oil Service Centres, and sourced for ambitious dockworkers willing to be trained in specialized Oil and Gas Cargo handling. The result is the specialised labour force known as OSBA.
Your organisation has been winning laurels on all fronts, what is the secret?
It is true that many corporate organizations, professional and government institutions, as well as credible, private and good public – spirited individuals have come forward to bestow honours of recognition on us. All of these recognitions and awards have been unsolicited, but an acknowledgement of our excellent services. I think this is a good way of sending feedback to the management of Intels by the stakeholders to say ‘bravo’ for doing a good job and for repositioning the Nigerian maritime industry on the world map. Come to think about it, Intels has added value to the Nigeria economy through the effective and effectual way we have been doing our business. The level of infrastructural development at the Onne, Warri and Calabar ports which Intels has provided is massive and running into billions.
If you ask me, the secret of the awards is simply in our doing our job well, and in going the extra miles to provide support to the Nigerian economy. About 8,000 jobs have been created directly, while over 20,000 jobs have also been created indirectly by Intels investment campaign. Our Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) policy is one that has a human face. Most of the clients in the oil and gas sector are multi-national companies who are bound by International Standard banners, ethics and watchwords that relegate pecuniary gains to the bearest minimum when juxtaposed to Quality, Health, Safety and Environment. We are bound by their standards and even beyond in our own management culture at Intels Nigeria Limited. As a terminal operator we believe that “no economic priority shall over – rule consideration for quality, health, safety and environment. To buttress this fact, you will also notice that we have won several awards on QHSE from many oil companies.
Intels used to have serious battles with competitors those days, is it still the same, how have you managed it because it seems like you are the only company here
No, we are definitely not the only company in Onne port or even in Warri or Calabar. There are so many other concessionaries in all of these ports who collectively with Intels are contributing their fair share in nation building in the maritime industry. No doubt, in all business ventures, there must be competition. However, at Intels Nigeria Limited we have a different mandate. Our mandate derives from the vision of our chairman, who believes in the great potentials of this great country and wants Intels to spearhead the positioning of the Nigerian maritime industry on the world map. His overwhelming confidence in the country is what drives us to be selfless in our service to the industry. We refuse to be distracted because the larger Nigeria and indeed stakeholders have continued to appreciate our efforts and contributions and this nudges us on. We welcome positive progressive competition at all times. It is good for the nation.
A lot of organisations did not find Calabar and Warri ports attractive for concession, yet Intels went for it, what did you sniff there?
It is disheartening to see ports potentials in Warri wasting away because of intra-communal conflicts, but that is definitely over now. For Intels we believe in peace, as fundamental and necessary ingredients for sustainable development, and which will integrate the local people, boost both the state and federal governments’ income base. Moreover, we believe in Nigeria and have accepted the responsibility to partner with the state to move the nation forward. These are the attractions why Intels moved into Warri ports to invest, as a way to attract investors irrespective of the inter – communal crisis in 1995 and despite the lack of activity, Intels has still remained committed in the long term and is maintaining a work force of about 500 staffers and have recently deplored one of the biggest cranes in the zone. Already, Intels is collaborating with all the various stakeholders including – youth bodies, community leaders and the government towards the restoration of full economic activity back at the Warri port. It is therefore our prayer that the cessation of hostilities there and the present harmony will be consolidated by all and sundry to renew investors’ confidence back in Warri port. Suffice to note that the benefits that will accrue from decisive re-establishment of full scale activities at the Warri port are enormous and economically overwhelming. As for the Calabar ports, with the current concession regime, Intels has initiated moves to fence the entire area that has been leased to her by NPA. However, it is important to note here that the success of the Calabar port complex and its economic growth will be dependent on the speedy completion of ongoing dredging of the entrance channel which is presently narrow. That has still not deterred our confidence in that port. We are confident that Calabar ports will soon join the league of frontline ports
Intels name often come up when issues of sharp practices come up, but often it comes out clean, what do you think is responsible for the misconception?
It is absolutely wrong for anybody to associate Intels with negative tendencies. Intels does not, and has never been engaged in any form of sharp practices in what ever name or form. Our trademark is synonymous with credibility, truth and performance. But I must acknowledge as a truism that sometimes, some uninformed persons have tried to drag our name into controversies or try to market falsehood concerning our operations. But our response over the years to such situations is only to stand on the truth. You know the holy bible admonishes all to stand by the truth because it will set you free. Hence, each time the truth is laid bare, we are vindicated by the bare truth. When truth emerges, falsehood disappears. Light and darkness cannot mix. When light appears darkness disappears with speed. Therefore, you will see that the revelations of the truth of Intels’ activities, investment, contributions etc. extinguish the darkness of falsehood and misconceptions all the time.
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What is the relationship between Intels and its host communities in Onne and other places?
It is a statement of fact that Intels maintains a harmonious community relation at its operational basis. The host community benefits from our direct staff, and other service related workforce. However, Intels has the best host –community relations policy that has enhanced peaceful and cordial relationship between the company and the people.
What is your appraisal of the port concession programme of the government?
Ports concession is one of the best things that is happening to the economy of this nation. It is indeed a commendable policy by the Federal Government of Nigeria. This is because with the enhanced facility development at the nation’s ports, it will attract more economic activities, which will translate into an improved economy for the country. Ports concession attracts private participation in the development of maritime Industry.
Is it correct to insinuate that Intels is taking advantage of being the first settler in Onne?
Taking advantage? What advantage? The truth is that NPA called for private sector participation in 1982 after the port had been abandoned by the foreign contractors because of capital. Only eight companies originally responded to this challenge, and latter three of them remained. Today, there are just two of us, Intels and Brawal that have remained committed and stayed the distance. So, the impression that we were “first settlers or took advantage is wrong”. It was an open marathon for all, but by the end of the day, only the committed remain. Also, when you continue to provide excellent and unequalled services to your clients, they will always place greater premium on your services. For us at Intels, it is quality or nothing.
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