The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has firmly denied reports claiming it has ceased importing refined petroleum products.
The company described the reports as a misrepresentation of facts and a distortion of the statements made by its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari.
The controversial claims were published by a national newspaper following Kyari’s remarks at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) conference held in Lagos.
Themed “Resolving the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth, and Affordability,” the event saw Kyari discuss the company’s energy strategies.
A section of the report claimed that Kyari’s statement signaled an end to fuel importation, sparking widespread reactions.
However, the NNPCL has swiftly moved to clarify the issue, stating that the report misinterpreted Kyari’s words.
In a statement released by Mr. Femi Soneye, the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL emphasized that the GCEO’s comments were quoted accurately but were misrepresented in context.
“While your report quotes the GCEO’s exact words in several instances, you have inserted interpretations that misrepresent the context and meaning of the statement,” Soneye said.
He criticized the newspaper for creating what he described as a “false narrative” and urged media outlets to exercise caution when reporting on sensitive national matters.
Soneye also pointed out inaccuracies in the article’s claim that NNPCL had stopped importing fuel and was exclusively sourcing from local refineries such as the Dangote Refinery.
“The GCEO’s statement, ‘Today, NNPC does not import any product; we are only taking from domestic refineries,’ should not be construed to imply that NNPC Ltd. is obligated to be the sole off-taker of any refinery or that we will no longer import fuel,” Soneye clarified.
He noted that while the NNPCL prioritizes local sourcing, its decisions are driven by economic viability.
“If local supply is cost-effective, it will be preferred, but the same principle applies to other marketers, who will also evaluate total costs when deciding whether to buy locally or import,” he added.
Soneye explained that the NNPCL’s approach aligns with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which promotes a competitive market.
“The law ensures that domestic refiners compete on price and value,” he said, adding that the NNPCL controls less than 30% of the market to avoid monopolistic practices.
He also stressed that the authority to issue import licenses lies with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), not the NNPCL.
Addressing further misrepresentations in the article, Soneye dismissed claims that Kyari mentioned a supposed N24 trillion fuel import figure, calling it a fabrication.
“It is essential to maintain accuracy in reporting, especially on issues that impact national energy security,” he cautioned.
Soneye acknowledged the newspaper’s accurate coverage of NNPCL’s investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure but expressed concern over recurring mischaracterizations in recent reports.
“Misleading narratives undermine public trust and the integrity of reputable newspapers,” he stated.
He urged journalists to verify their information before publication, particularly on topics of national significance.
“A more cautious approach will benefit both your readership and your publication’s reputation,” Soneye concluded.
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about media responsibility and the importance of accurate reporting in shaping public opinion.
