The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has denied ownership of a tanker bearing markings linked to the company after the vehicle was intercepted in Ondo State with 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed inside it.
The truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during an operation that led to the discovery of the illicit drug consignment.
In a statement issued on Monday by NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the company said preliminary investigations established that the vehicle was neither owned by NNPCL nor included in its official fleet.
The company also clarified that the truck was not part of the fleet operated by any of its authorised dealers.
NNPCL said it had taken note of reports concerning the seizure and commended the NDLEA for its efforts in uncovering the concealed cannabis shipment.
According to the company, the logo displayed on the vehicle does not correspond with its current corporate branding, while checks of its asset database showed no record of the truck.
The national oil company disclosed that it was working with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to gather additional information about the vehicle and determine how its old branding came to be displayed on the truck.
NNPCL stressed that it takes the unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly when its name or branding is connected to illegal activities.
The company said it remained committed to protecting its trademarks and other corporate identifiers from misuse and would cooperate with the NDLEA and other security agencies investigating the matter.
It added that the investigation would determine the actual ownership and operation of the truck, as well as how NNPC markings were placed on the vehicle.
NNPCL further stated that it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring procedures and would take appropriate action, including legal measures, where necessary.
The company urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles claiming to belong to NNPCL through official channels.
NNPCL also reaffirmed its support for the NDLEA’s fight against drug trafficking and pledged to provide all necessary assistance to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the seizure are fully established.
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