The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has distanced itself from a fuel truck intercepted in Ondo State after the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) discovered 2,145kg of cannabis concealed inside the vehicle. The truck, which carried markings associated with NNPC, was reportedly intercepted with the illicit substance hidden in a compartment.
NNPC, however, said the vehicle, identified by registration number MKA 960 XC, is not part of its fleet and is neither owned by the company nor any of its authorised dealers. The company said preliminary checks also showed that the truck was not listed in its asset database, raising questions over how its branding came to be displayed on the vehicle.
In a statement issued by NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the company said the markings on the truck appeared to be from its old branding, rather than its current official identity. NNPC said it is engaging the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to gather more information and determine the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s use.
The national oil company said it takes the unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly when such branding is connected to criminal activity. It added that it would cooperate with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies as investigations continue, including efforts to establish who owns and operated the truck.
NNPC also said it is reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring procedures and may take legal action where necessary against anyone found to have unlawfully used its corporate identity. The company urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify vehicles claiming affiliation with NNPC through official channels, while commending the NDLEA for its efforts in tackling illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
source: punch
