Court stops NNPC, banks from paying Chinese firm over alleged $117,000 debt
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The applicant alleged that the Chinese company failed to settle outstanding payments for tugboats and barges reportedly supplied for the movement of heavy cargo between December 2025 and January 2026
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has restrained the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and all commercial banks in the country from releasing funds to a Chinese firm, Beijing Seajets International Forwarder Company Ltd, over an alleged debt of 117,000 dollars.
The interim order was granted by Justice Stephen Daylop Pam following an ex parte application brought by Wellman Group Limited.
The applicant alleged that the Chinese company failed to settle outstanding payments for tugboats and barges reportedly supplied for the movement of heavy cargo between December 2025 and January 2026.
According to court documents, Wellman Group claimed that despite repeated demands, the company had refused to pay the outstanding amount for the maritime services rendered.
The court consequently directed that all funds due to Beijing Seajets International Forwarder Company Ltd from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited be temporarily frozen pending the determination of the suit.
Justice Pam also restrained banks operating in Nigeria from processing or releasing any money belonging to the company until further proceedings in the matter.
The judge held that the interim measures were necessary to preserve the subject of litigation and prevent possible dissipation of funds before the case is decided.
The matter was adjourned until June 1, 2026, for further hearing.
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