NNPCL Denies Stopping Fuel Imports

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has denied a recent news report that said it has stopped importing refined petroleum products, claiming it was a misinterpretation of words made by Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari.

According to the national newspaper report, Kyari made remarks that allegedly indicated NNPCL was no longer importing petroleum and that it was now only procuring from domestic refineries, such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Kyari had addressed the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) conference in Lagos, where he spoke on “Resolving the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability.”

According to NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Femi Soneye, while Kyari’s words were accurately quoted, the accompanying interpretation misinterpreted the GCEO’s statements, resulting in a “false narrative” about the status of petroleum importation.

“While your report quotes the GCEO’s exact words in several instances, you have inserted interpretations that misrepresent the context and meaning of the statement. This misrepresentation has created a false narrative that deviates significantly from the facts,” Soneye said in a formal statement.

He noted his displeasure with the “infusion of incorrect assertions” and advised media outlets to use caution when covering delicate national subjects.

NNPCL stressed that although the business prefers to source fuel from nearby refineries, this choice is based more on economic feasibility than a complete ban on imports.

Soneye clarified, “The GCEO’s statement, ‘Today, NNPC does not import any product; we are only taking from domestic refineries,’ should not be construed to imply that NNPC Ltd. is obligated to be the sole off-taker of any refinery or that we will no longer import fuel.”

Soneye added that NNPCL’s fuel-sourcing decisions are influenced by market costs, and that other marketers consider these variables when deciding between domestic supply and importation.

He cited the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which allocates import licensing authority to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and limits NNPCL’s market share to 30%, thereby eliminating monopolistic tactics and encouraging competition.

He acknowledged the newspaper’s factual coverage of NNPCL’s investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure to improve energy security.

However, he urged caution against further misrepresentations of Kyari’s statements, especially on topics with national security implications, stressing, “Misleading narratives undermine public trust and the integrity of your reputable newspaper.”

Soneye encouraged the media to seek clarifications when in doubt, stating, “A more cautious approach will benefit both your readership and the reputation of your publication.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli