NNPC Denies Sale of Refinery Scrap Amidst Reports of Fraudulent Claims

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has issued a strong denial against circulating claims that it is selling scrap materials and equipment from its refineries. This clarification is crucial, especially given the long-standing issues plaguing the nation's refining capacity, where all three NNPC refineries remain comatose despite repeated promises and substantial financial investments over the years.

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NNPC Limited wishes to alert the public to the circulation of misleading and false information suggesting that the company is selling scrap materials, equipment, or components from its refineries to individuals and private companies.

NNPC Limited has categorically stated that no bids, tenders, or approvals for the disposal of any refinery components or scrap materials have been issued. Furthermore, the company has received reports of individuals falsely representing themselves as NNPC agents to defraud the public. This warning serves as a vital alert to the public, corporate organizations, and industry stakeholders to exercise extreme caution and avoid engaging with any unauthorized individuals making such claims.

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The company wishes to categorically state that this information is untrue. NNPC Limited has not issued any request for bids, tenders, expressions of interest, or approvals for the sale of scrap materials, refinery components, or any items from the warehouses or inventories of any of its refineries.

From the perspective of ThisDay, this denial is significant. It addresses potential scams exploiting the public's awareness of the refineries' dilapidated state. While the focus is on debunking false sales, it implicitly highlights the ongoing challenges with the refineries themselves. The lack of tangible progress in fixing these critical national assets, despite repeated assurances and financial commitments, remains a persistent concern. The NNPC's proactive stance in warning the public is commendable, but it also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability regarding the actual state and future of Nigeria's refining infrastructure.

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NNPC Limited has also received reports that certain individuals are falsely presenting themselves as representatives or agents of the company, claiming to facilitate the sale of so-called scrap metals or refinery equipment. These individuals are not authorised by NNPC Limited and are attempting to mislead members of the public.