The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has disowned a fuel truck with its old logo intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with 2,145 kg of cannabis concealed in a compartment in Ondo State.
According to the firm, early inspections revealed that the truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was not owned by NNPC Ltd., nor was it part of its official fleet or that of any of its authorized dealers.
Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC, announced this in a statement issued on Monday. The corporation said it had taken note of media reports about the intercepted car, which contained NNPC markings.
It did, however, claim that the insignia on the vehicle was inconsistent with its current official identity, and 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 authorized dealers,” the statement said.
According to the company, it is working with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to gather additional information and determine the facts surrounding the usage of its previous trademark on the vehicle.
NNPCL stated that it regarded any unauthorized use of its corporate brand seriously, especially if it was related to illegal conduct. The national oil corporation stated that it will fully cooperate with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies in examining the event.
It went on to say that the investigation would determine who owned and operated the car, as well as how the NNPC logos ended up 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 unauthorized use of its corporate identity,” NNPC stated.
The corporation advised the public and relevant authorities to check the ownership or affiliation of vehicles pretending to be NNPC through the necessary statutory procedures.
The NNPC also praised the NDLEA for its alertness and continuous efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, stating that it remains supportive of the continuing investigation.
