NNPC Ltd commends NDLEA on intercepted truck

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) commends the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its vigilance and professionalism in intercepting a truck reportedly found with 2,145kg of cannabis concealed in a compartment in Ondo State.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited, Andy Odeh, said in a statement Monday that the company has taken note of media reports concerning the intercepted vehicle, which bears markings associated with the Company.

“We wish to clarify that preliminary checks indicate that the vehicle, with registration number MKA 960 XC, is neither owned by NNPC Ltd. nor part of the official fleet of the Company or any of its authorised dealers.

“The logo displayed on the vehicle is not consistent with NNPC Ltd.’s current official branding, and the vehicle does not appear in the Company’s asset database. NNPC Ltd. is also engaging with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain further information and establish the circumstances surrounding the use of the Company’s old branding 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 remains committed to protecting the integrity of its brand and ensuring that its name, trademarks and other corporate identifiers are not misused,” Odeh said.

The NNPCL’s spokesman explained that the Company will continue to cooperate fully with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies and support a full and thorough investigation to establish all the facts surrounding the incident, including the ownership and operation of the vehicle and the circumstances in which NNPC Ltd. markings came to be displayed on it.

“The Company is also reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring protocols and will take appropriate steps, including legal action where warranted, against any unauthorised use of its corporate identity.

“NNPC Ltd. encourages members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles purporting to belong to the Company through appropriate official channels.

“We once again commend the NDLEA for its vigilance and sustained efforts in combating illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. NNPC Ltd. remains fully supportive of the ongoing investigation and will continue to provide all necessary cooperation to ensure that the facts are conclusively established,” he further explained.