DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS: In this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below unless the context otherwise requires:
“Affiliate” means any person who directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Party. A person controls another person if it holds or is beneficially entitled to hold, directly or indirectly, other than by way of security interest only, more than 50% of its voting rights, income or capital.
“Business Day” means Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays declared by the Federal Government in Nigeria.
“Confidential Information” means all confidential, proprietary or sensitive information of either Party, whether tangible or intangible, oral or written, including any information which may have been disclosed by either Party prior to or after the execution of this Agreement. It also includes any information relating to and or including released or unreleased software or hardware products, the marketing or promotion of products, business plans, practices or policies, and information received from either Party, including trade secrets, source codes, object codes, patents, inventions, firmware, designs, formulas, specifications, financial information and projections, numbers, lists of suppliers and potential suppliers, lists of customers and potential customers, equipment lists, employee lists, management methods, know-how, working methods, manufacturing techniques, operating techniques, and all manuals, documents, reports, spreadsheets, files, market information, computer disks and tapes (whether machine or user readable) and other written or electronic information pertaining thereto.
“Effective Date” means the date the Vendor signs up on the Platform by ticking the “I agree” feature.
“Force Majeure” means any event or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of the Parties that is not foreseeable, is unavoidable and its origin is not due to negligence or lack of care on the part of the Parties. Such events include but not limited to acts of God, fire, flood, invasion, war, revolution, uprising, insurrection, social/public unrest, public disturbance, strike, riots, fire disaster, storm, acts of terrorism and any other circumstance which may hinder or delay the performance of the obligations of the Parties under this Agreement.
“Grocery” means all edible and non-edible items sold in a grocery or supermarket or shop to be sold by the Vendor on the Platform.
“Grocery Content” means the description of available Grocery items provided by the Vendor to Vinkol Logistics as part of the Vendor Content.
“Harassment” means any kind of behaviour that humiliates, victimizes, or threatens a person, like directing racial slurs and making sexual advances. It also includes but is not limited to seemingly harmless actions, like calling a person constantly outside work for non- emergencies and without prior agreement. Innuendos, veiled threats and inappropriate or offensive jokes. Harassment can happen in-person, over the phone, via email or through a messaging app.
“Intellectual Property” means all present and future worldwide patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, good will, registered designs, design rights, database rights, copyrights, inventions, rights in computer software and other forms of intellectual or industrial property and all registrations, applications, renewals, extensions, combinations, divisions, or reissues of the foregoing.
“Platform” means the Vinkol Logistics App or website used to provide the Services to Customers.
“Pricing Tier” means the commission payable by the Vendor per Transaction, based on the tier selected during the onboarding process.
“Vendor Content” means the Vendor Marks, Vendor products and any materials, documentation, menu descriptions, data, information, goods, services, images or photographs of the Vendor on the Platform.
“Vendor Marks” means the trademarks, trade names, brand names, logos, service marks, graphics and designs owned by the Vendor.
“Transaction” means the total order placed by the customer on the Platform.
“VAT” means Value Added Tax.
SERVICES
Vinkol Logistics shall provide the following Services to the Vendor:
- on-demand logistics services on behalf of the Vendor to its customers.
- promote and manage orders for the Vendor made through the Platform.
- maintain and obtain all requisite registration and permits required by law for the provision of the Services; and
- comply with all regulatory and compliance obligations in line with applicable laws.
- Perform Visual Display, Marketing and Promotion of Vendors Brand at will.
OBLIGATIONS OF THE VENDOR
The Vendor shall perform the following obligations:
- make available to Vinkol Logistics all requisite information including but not limited to the Grocery Content, Skincare Products, Food, Vendor Content and Vendor Marks upon sign-up on the Platform.
- provide the account details of the Vendor for remittance of monies paid by customers;
- provide Vinkol Logistics with up-to-date prices and Grocery Content within five (5) days of signing up on the Platform and immediately when there are changes or variations;
- ensure all Grocery Contents comply with SON, NAFDAC and all applicable regulatory bodies;
- ensure it does not offer expired, contaminated, counterfeited or prohibited Grocery Contents;
- maintain sanitary conditions for Grocery Contents;
- prepare and package orders for pickup by Vinkol Logistics and dispatch to customers;
- maintain all required licenses and permits;
- allow Vinkol Logistics to use Vendor Marks and Content at no cost;
- comply with all applicable laws.
COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION
This Agreement shall commence from the Effective Date and remain in force until terminated in accordance with its provisions.
AUTHORIZATION
The Vendor authorizes Vinkol Logistics to advertise, market and provide the Services and grants a license to use Vendor Intellectual Property for this purpose.
FEES, SETTLEMENT, INDEMNITY, LIABILITY, CONFIDENTIALITY, DATA PROTECTION, TERMINATION, GOVERNING LAW, ESG, AND ALL OTHER CLAUSES
Fees
- In consideration of the Services provided by Vinkol Logistics under this Agreement, the Vendor shall pay Vinkol Logistics the agreed commission based on the selected Pricing Tier (“Fee”). The Fee due to Vinkol Logistics shall be exclusive of VAT. Pricing Tier is grouped into monthly subscription package of Teer 1-Basic (#20,000), Teer 2 -Standard (#30,000) and Teer 3-Premium (#50,000)
- Vinkol Logistics will charge VAT at 7.5% on all Fees indicated in Clause 6.1 above and any Transaction processed through the Platform (customers pay VAT).
- It is further agreed that all payments by the customer shall be made to Vinkol Logistics, and Vinkol Logistics shall be entitled to deduct the Fee at source and shall transfer the balance to the Vendor.
- The Fee shall be effective for the Term of this Agreement and may be subject to review based on the mutual agreement of the Parties in writing.
- Notwithstanding Clause 6.4 above, Vinkol Logistics reserves the right to revise the Fees as may be necessary and shall notify the Vendor prior to implementation of the revised fee.
Settlement Process
- Vinkol Logistics shall maintain a record of all transactions processed on behalf of the Vendor on the Platform. The Vendor shall be able to monitor all transactions relating to its account in real-time.
- The Parties further agree that on each Business Day, Vinkol shall pay into the Vendor’s designated bank account the amount received on the transaction date +1 Business Day after deduction of the Fees due to Vinkol Logistics from the Vendor.
Mutual Obligations of the Parties
- Parties agree not to act, or omit to act, in any way likely to cause damage to any person or property or cause the quality of Services rendered to be impaired in any manner whatsoever.
- If at any time during the Term of this Agreement, either Party is informed or information comes to its attention that it is in violation of any law, guideline, policy, regulation or code, such Party shall immediately take all appropriate steps to remedy such violation.
- Each Party shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure the accuracy of any information or documents provided under this Agreement.
- Parties shall not circumvent the operation of this Agreement to deprive the other Party of any benefit intended herein.
- Each Party shall ensure that information obtained from the other Party is used only as contemplated under this Agreement.
Representations and Warranties
- Each Party validly exists under Nigerian law and has authority to enter into this Agreement.
- The execution and performance of this Agreement shall not breach any other obligation.
- The Vendor warrants that all information supplied to Vinkol is accurate and not misleading.
Indemnity
- The Parties agree to indemnify and hold harmless each other against all liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising from negligence, default, or omission in performance of obligations.
- Either Party shall indemnify the other for losses arising from breach of representations and warranties.
- The Vendor agrees to indemnify Vinkol for losses arising from breach of regulatory or safety standards under Nigerian law.
- Either Party shall indemnify the other against third-party intellectual property infringement claims.
Limitation of Liability
- Neither Party shall be liable for indirect, consequential, incidental, special, or punitive damages including loss of profit or goodwill.
- These limitations shall not apply to confidentiality breaches, intellectual property infringement, fraud, gross negligence, or violations of applicable law.
- The maximum liability of Vinkol shall be limited to the delivery of orders and the fees paid to Vinkol Logistics by the Vendor’s customer when utilizing the Platform.
Intellectual Property Rights
- All Intellectual Property owned prior to or acquired after the Effective Date shall remain the property of the owning Party.
- No rights are transferred under this Agreement without prior written consent.
Confidentiality
- Parties shall maintain confidentiality of all Confidential Information during the Term of this Agreement.
- Disclosure shall only occur where required by law, with prior written notice where practicable.
- Authorized Representatives must comply with confidentiality obligations.
- Upon termination, Confidential Information shall be returned, provided that Vinkol may retain copies pursuant to retention policies or applicable law.
Data Protection
- Each Party shall comply with Nigeria Data Protection Regulations 2019 and Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
- Vinkol privacy policy governs data processing under this Agreement.
Suspension of Service
Vinkol Logistics may immediately suspend Services where misuse occurs contrary to its Terms of Use.
Waiver
No failure or delay in exercising rights shall operate as a waiver.
Severability
Invalid provisions shall not affect the enforceability of remaining provisions.
Relationship of the Parties
This Agreement does not create a partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship.
Notices
- Notices shall be delivered to Vinkol Logistics’ registered address and the Vendor’s onboarding address.
- Notices are deemed received upon delivery confirmation.
Force Majeure
- Force Majeure events excuse performance to the extent affected.
- Affected Party must notify the other Party promptly.
- Either Party may terminate if Force Majeure persists beyond thirty (30) days.
Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
- This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Disputes shall be amicably resolved or referred to mediation at the Lagos Multi Door Courthouse (LMDC).
- Nothing prevents court action.
Termination
- Either Party may terminate within ten (10) business days’ written notice.
- Termination may occur by mutual agreement.
- Material breach not remedied within seven (7) days entitles termination.
- Insolvency events trigger termination.
- Accrued rights survive termination.
Survival
Indemnity, Limitation of Liability, Confidentiality, IP, Anti-Bribery, and Governing Law clauses survive termination.
Anti-Bribery Compliance
The Vendor agrees not to promote or carry out its obligations under this Agreement in violation of any extant anti-corruption law within the jurisdiction in which it carries on its business operations, including, without limitation, the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003, and similar anti-corruption statutes and codes of practice within all applicable jurisdictions.
Non-Discrimination and Harassment
- The Parties recognize the right of their respective employees to work in an environment free from Harassment and discrimination. The Vendor further agrees to perform its obligations under this Agreement in a manner that is free from Harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
- The Vendor, its employees, agents, subcontractors, or any person acting on behalf of the Vendor shall not engage in any form of discrimination or Harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.
- The Vendor shall promptly address any reports of discrimination or Harassment from Vinkol Logistics and shall take corrective action immediately, including but not limited to changing its personnel where necessary.
- The Vendor shall take appropriate measures to ensure that its employees, subcontractors, and agents comply with this clause and promote a respectful, inclusive, and non-hostile work environment.
- Any violation of this Clause may result in the immediate suspension or termination of this Agreement.
ESG Compliance
The Vendor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) laws and regulations and shall foresee any known or expected future changes in requirements and take all reasonable actions to ensure ongoing compliance.
Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior understandings, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral, relating to such subject matter.
Assignment
The Vendor agrees not to assign this Agreement or any interest herein, either in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Vinkol Logistics, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Any purported assignment made in violation of this clause shall be null and void.