Connect with us

Business

KEYSTONE BANK IN FRESH TROUBLE: TO PAY CHINESE FIRM $778,118.72 OVER BREACH OF CONTRACT

Published

on

A Federal high court sitting in Lagos south west Nigeria has ordered Keystone Bank Limited to pay a Chinese company Hexing Electrical company damages in the sum of $778,118.72 over a breach of contract.         The judgement of the court was sequel to a suit filed before the court against Keystone Bank Limited, Chris International Agencies company and Central bank of Nigeria as defendants, claiming the sum of $778,118.72 being the total outstanding sum of the money  due and payable under the irrevocable letter of credit issued by the bank sometime in September, 2015. to the Chinese company.    Keystone bank on 16th of September, 2015 issued letter of credit in favour of Hexing Electrical company limited, a company registered under the laws of the Peoples Republic of China in the sum of $1,134,545, subject to the provisions of uniform custom and practice for documentary credit.       The bank paid $336,421.28 in varying installments to the company, however despite all demands for the payment of the balance of $798,108.70 the bank refused, the bank only paid additional $20,000,    Consequently the company petitioned Central bank of Nigeria,thereafter the company instituted this suit against the bank and two others.     The case of the third defendant Chris International Agencies was that by memorandum of understanding with Hexing Electrical, they form a consortium known as Chris Ejike Hexing consortium  for the purpose of carrying on the business of production, supply and installation of meters in Nigeria, the company entered into a supply and installation agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution company, for the supply and installation of indoor, ring type meters with sealable terminal cover.      According to  Chris International Agencies company the total value of the contract was N485,587,958.10, that the Hexing Electrical company was to manufacture the meters and in accordance with the specification agreed with Enugu Electrical Distribution Company, that it was for this purpose that the Chris international Agencies  took  letter of credit with Keystone bank in favour of Hexing Electrical Company, which Keystone bank had paid part of the sum $356,421.28 that Hexing Electrical company did not manufacture the meters according to specification and the contract was subsequently terminated by Enugu Electrical Distribution Company.     Chris International Agencies alleged that Hexing Electrical company perpetrated fraud deliberately and as a such not entitled to further payment on the letter of credit.    At the hearing of the case Keystone bank did not file any counter affidavit, its lawyer said the bank will abide by whatever decision the court takes.      In his judgement the presiding Judge Nicholas Oweibo ,said the bank did not deny the existence of contract between it and the Hexing Electrical company, the company has through its affidavit in support shown that the bank failed to completely honour its own part of the contract. The evidence has indeed established that Keystone bank is in breach of its contract with the company. “Considering the above I am of the view that Keystone is in breach of the contract it had with Hexing Electrical company. It has been established that the bank had kept in its custody the sum claimed contrary to the terms of the letter of Credit even after the company had accepted to receive naira equivalent. In the circumstances the company is entitled to 10% interest per annum on the judgement sum of $778,118.72 from the day of judgement until liquidation of the judgement sum.     The complaint of  fraud in this case is not in respect of the documentation of the letter of credit. The fraud complaint of is with respect to the goods:that the plaintiff did not meet the specification.     In the light of the above I enter judgment for the plaintiff and grant its prayers by ordering that Keystone bank pay damages to Hexing Electrical company limited in the sum of $778,118.72 being the money due and payable under the irrevocable letter of credit, an order that the bank pay the company interest at the rate of 10% per annum from the date of judgement until the liquidation of the judgement debt.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Business

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

Published

on

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

 

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

 

 

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

 

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

 

 

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

 

 

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

 

 

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

 

 

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

 

 

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

Continue Reading

Business

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

Published

on

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.

Continue Reading

Business

Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

Published

on

Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

In a show of solidarity, the Committee of Banks in Nigeria has extended a helping hand to victims of the September 2024 floods in Jigawa State. On Thursday, a high-profile delegation led by Dr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Committee and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), visited Dutse, the state capital, to present relief materials to the state government.
The donated items, worth several million Naira, included essential food supplies such as rice and cooking oil, along with mattresses and beverages. Dr. Alawuba highlighted that the gesture aimed to alleviate the hardship faced by flood victims and support critical institutions, especially public hospitals, in their efforts to assist those affected.
“We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Jigawa State during this difficult time. This donation is our way of expressing empathy and supporting those who have lost loved ones, properties, and livelihoods,” Dr. Alawuba stated.
The delegation included notable banking leaders such as Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna of Access Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji of Zenith Bank Plc, and Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank Plc, among others. Their collective presence underscored the banking sector’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.
Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi expressed profound gratitude for the donation, describing the visit as a rare and commendable act of compassion. He assured the delegation that the relief materials would be judiciously distributed to the intended beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in rebuilding lives and communities.
The Committee of Banks also reiterated their commitment to supporting Nigerians during emergencies, drawing attention to previous interventions, including relief efforts during the 2011 and 2013 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and security initiatives like the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
This humanitarian gesture reflects the collective resolve of Nigeria’s financial institutions to foster social and economic growth, making a meaningful impact in times of need.
Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending