Oil company says vehicle carrying its old logo is neither part of its fleet nor operated by authorised dealers as NDLEA probe continues…..
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has distanced itself from a fuel tanker seized in Ondo State after the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) discovered 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis hidden inside a concealed compartment.
The vehicle, identified by registration number MKA 960 XC, was found carrying markings associated with the national oil company, prompting NNPC to clarify that it has no connection with the truck.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, NNPC said preliminary checks showed that the vehicle was neither owned by the company nor included in its official fleet or that of any authorised dealer.
The company said it had become aware of reports surrounding the seizure and subsequently conducted checks on the vehicle.
According to NNPC, the branding displayed on the truck does not match its current corporate identity, while the vehicle could not be traced to its asset database.
“NNPC Ltd has taken note of media reports concerning the intercepted vehicle, which bears markings associated with the company. We wish to clarify that preliminary checks indicate that the vehicle, with registration number MKA 960 XC, is neither owned by NNPC Ltd nor part of the official fleet of the company or any of its authorised dealers,” the statement said.
The oil company said it is working with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to establish how the vehicle came to be operated with its old branding and to obtain more information about its ownership and activities.
NNPC stressed that the unauthorised use of its corporate identity was a serious matter, particularly where the branding could create an association between the company and criminal activities.
The company said it would cooperate with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies as investigations continue.
It added that the investigation would help determine who owned and operated the vehicle, as well as the circumstances surrounding the use of NNPC markings.
“The company is also reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring protocols and will take appropriate steps, including legal action where warranted, against any unauthorised use of its corporate identity,” NNPC said.
The national oil company also advised members of the public and relevant authorities to confirm the ownership or affiliation of vehicles claiming to be part of its operations through appropriate official channels.
NNPC commended the NDLEA for intercepting the vehicle and for its continued efforts to curb the movement of illicit drugs across the country, assuring the agency of its support as the investigation progresses.
