The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has denied ownership of a fuel truck bearing its former logo after the vehicle was intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency with 2,145kg of cannabis hidden in a compartment in Ondo State.
The oil company said initial investigations indicated that the truck, registered as MKA 960 XC, was neither owned by NNPC Ltd. nor included in the company’s official fleet or those operated by its authorised dealers.
NNPC disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh. The company said it was aware of media reports about the vehicle, which carried markings linked to NNPC.
It, however, explained that the branding on the truck did not match its current official identity, while the vehicle was also absent from its asset records.
“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.
NNPC said it was in discussions with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to gather additional details and determine how its old branding was used on the vehicle.
The company stressed that it takes the unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly when such branding is connected to criminal activities. It added that it would work with the NDLEA and other security agencies to support investigations into the matter.
According to NNPC, the investigation is expected to determine who owns and operates the truck and how its corporate markings came to be placed on the vehicle.
“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 also called on members of the public and relevant authorities to confirm the ownership and affiliation of vehicles claiming to be operated by NNPC through the appropriate official channels.
NNPC commended the NDLEA for its efforts in detecting and tackling illegal drug trafficking across the country, adding that it would continue to support the agency’s investigation.
