… cautions public on fraudulent schemes
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has issued a public warning over misleading reports alleging that it is offering refinery scrap materials, equipment, and components for sale to individuals and private entities.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the national oil company firmly denied initiating any such transactions. It clarified that no requests for bids, tenders, or expressions of interest have been issued regarding the disposal of refinery assets from its facilities in Port Harcourt, Warri, or Kaduna.
The company described the circulating claims as false and deceptive, emphasizing that it has not approved the sale of any materials from its refinery inventories or storage locations.
“NNPC Limited has not issued any request for bids, tenders, expressions of interest, or approvals for the sale of scrap materials, refinery components, or any items from the warehouses or inventories of any of its refineries,” it said.
NNPC further disclosed that it had received reports of individuals impersonating its officials or agents, falsely claiming to facilitate the sale of purported scrap metals and refinery equipment. It stressed that such actors are unauthorised and are attempting to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The company urged individuals, corporate bodies, and stakeholders within the energy sector to disregard such solicitations and exercise caution when approached with similar offers.
“For the avoidance of doubt, NNPC Limited is not conducting, nor has it authorised, any sale of scrap metals, equipment, or refinery components from any of its facilities.
“Any legitimate disposal of assets by NNPC Limited will only be conducted through established and transparent processes, publicly communicated through the company’s official channels and in accordance with applicable regulations.
“Members of the public who encounter individuals or entities making such claims are encouraged to report the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
“NNPC Limited remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of national energy assets,” the statement concluded.
The clarification comes amid ongoing concerns over the prolonged inactivity of the country’s refineries. While some stakeholders remain skeptical about their future, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, has maintained that efforts to revive the facilities are underway.
SOURCE: thepointng.com
