By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has denied ownership of a truck intercepted in Ondo State with 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis allegedly concealed in a hidden compartment.
The company said the vehicle, which bore NNPC markings, neither belonged to NNPC Ltd. nor formed part of its authorised fleet or that of any of its approved dealers.
NNPC Ltd., in a public statement signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, on Monday said preliminary investigations revealed that the truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was not captured in the company’s asset database.
The company said it became aware of the incident following media reports linking the vehicle to NNPC Ltd. because of the markings displayed on it.
However, it explained that the logo seen on the truck was inconsistent with the company’s current corporate branding.
NNPC Ltd. commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for intercepting the vehicle and assured the agency of its full cooperation in investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged misuse of its corporate identity.
The company said it had commenced engagement with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain further information on the ownership and operation of the truck and determine how its old branding came to be displayed on the vehicle.
“NNPC Ltd. takes any unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such use may be associated with unlawful activity,” the company stated.
It said the ongoing investigation should establish the actual ownership of the truck, those responsible for its operation and the circumstances surrounding the use of NNPC markings.
NNPC Ltd. further reiterated its commitment to protecting its name, trademarks and other corporate identifiers from unauthorised use.
The company disclosed that it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring measures and would take appropriate action, including legal steps where necessary, against individuals or organisations found to have unlawfully used its identity.
It also urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify claims of ownership or affiliation involving vehicles bearing NNPC identity through official channels.
NNPC Ltd. again praised the NDLEA for its vigilance and continued efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, pledging to support security agencies in ensuring that all the facts surrounding the incident are fully established.
