NNPC disowns fuel truck conveying cannabis

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has disowned a fuel truck with its old logo intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency with 2,145kg of cannabis concealed in a compartment in Ondo State.

The company said preliminary checks showed that the truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither owned by NNPC Ltd. nor part of its official fleet or that of any of its authorised dealers.

NNPC disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh. The company said it had taken note of media reports concerning the intercepted vehicle, which bore markings associated with NNPC.

It, however, stated that the logo displayed on the vehicle was not consistent with its current official branding, while the truck did not appear in 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.

According to the company, it is engaging with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to obtain further information and establish the circumstances surrounding the use of its old branding on the vehicle.

NNPC said it took any unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such use might be associated with unlawful activity. The national oil company said it would cooperate fully with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies in investigating the incident.

It added that the investigation would establish the ownership and operation of the vehicle and how NNPC markings came to be displayed on it.

“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 company urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles purporting to belong to NNPC through appropriate official channels.

NNPC also commended the NDLEA for its vigilance and sustained efforts in combating illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, saying it remained supportive of the ongoing investigation.