The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for intercepting a truck allegedly carrying 2,145kg of cannabis concealed in a compartment in Ondo State.
NNPC Ltd., however, clarified that the vehicle, with registration number MKA 960 XC, does not belong to the company and is not part of its official fleet or that of any of its authorised dealers.
The clarification followed media reports linking the intercepted truck to NNPC Ltd. because of markings displayed on the vehicle.
In a statement, NNPC Ltd. Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said preliminary checks showed that the truck was neither owned by the company nor listed in its asset database.
He added that the logo displayed on the vehicle did not correspond with NNPC Ltd.’s current official branding.
The company said it was engaging the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain further information and determine how its old branding came to be displayed on the vehicle.
NNPC Ltd. said it took the unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where its name or branding could be linked to criminal activity.
The company expressed support for a full investigation by the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies to establish the ownership and operation of the truck and determine the circumstances surrounding the use of NNPC markings.
It also said it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring procedures, adding that appropriate measures, including legal action where necessary, would be taken against unauthorised use of its corporate identity.
The oil company urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify claims of affiliation by vehicles purporting to belong to NNPC Ltd. through official channels.
NNPC Ltd. further commended the NDLEA for its vigilance and sustained efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, assuring the agency of its full cooperation in the ongoing investigation.
