The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially denied ownership of a fuel truck intercepted in Ondo State with 2,145kg of cannabis concealed inside a compartment. The truck, registered as MKA 960 XC, was seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and bore an old NNPC logo, prompting the company to issue a clarification.
NNPC Clarifies Truck Ownership and Branding
In a statement released on Monday, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said preliminary checks revealed that the vehicle was neither owned by NNPC Ltd nor part of its official fleet or that of any authorised dealer. The statement read: “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 company noted that the branding on the truck did not match its current corporate identity, and the vehicle was also absent from its asset database. NNPC said it was engaging the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to determine how its old branding came to be used on the truck.
NNPC to Investigate Unauthorised Use of Logo
NNPC stressed that unauthorised use of its corporate identity was a serious concern, particularly when linked to criminal activities. The company said: “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.”
The national oil company added that it would cooperate with the NDLEA and other security agencies to establish the vehicle’s ownership, operation, and the circumstances surrounding the use of its branding.
NNPC Pledges Support for NDLEA Investigation
NNPC reiterated its commitment to supporting the NDLEA’s investigation, stating that it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring procedures and would consider legal action where necessary. The company also urged the public and relevant authorities to verify claims of NNPC ownership or affiliation through official channels, while commending the NDLEA for its efforts to combat illicit drug smuggling.
The seizure of the truck with 2,145kg of cannabis highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to curb drug trafficking, and NNPC’s response underscores the importance of protecting corporate identities from misuse in criminal activities.
