By Saminu Ibrahim
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has denied ownership of a truck intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ondo State with 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed in a compartment.
The company, while commending the NDLEA for its vigilance and professionalism, said preliminary checks showed that the truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither owned by NNPC Ltd. nor part of its official fleet or that of any of its authorised dealers.
This was contained in a statement on Monday signed by Andy Odeh,
Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Limited.
NNPC Ltd. made the clarification following media reports linking the vehicle to the company because of markings displayed on it.
According to the company, the logo on the truck does not conform with NNPC Ltd.’s current official branding, while the vehicle is also not listed in its asset database.
The company said it was engaging the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain further information and determine the circumstances surrounding the use of its old branding on the vehicle.
NNPC Ltd. said it takes the unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly when such use is linked to unlawful activities.
It added that it remained committed to protecting the integrity of its brand and ensuring that its name, trademarks and other corporate identifiers were not misused.
The company also pledged to cooperate fully with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies in investigating the incident, including determining the ownership and operation of the vehicle and how NNPC Ltd. markings came to be displayed on it.
NNPC Ltd. said it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring protocols and would take appropriate measures, including legal action where necessary, against unauthorised use of its corporate identity.
The company urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles purporting to belong to NNPC Ltd. through official channels.
It reiterated its support for the NDLEA’s efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in the country, assuring that it would provide all necessary cooperation to ensure that the facts surrounding the incident were conclusively established.
