NNPC denies selling refinery scrap, warns public

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has raised the alarm over the circulation of false information claiming that it is selling refinery scrap materials, equipment, and components to individuals and private firms.

This was contained in a statement signed by the NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, on Friday. In the statement, the company categorically denied issuing any request for bids, tenders, expressions of interest, or approvals for the sale of scrap materials or refinery components from the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries.

“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,” the company said.

The NNPC stated that the claims being circulated were misleading and untrue, stressing that it has not authorised the sale of any items from the warehouses or inventories of its refineries.

“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,” it was stated.

It also disclosed that it had received reports of individuals falsely presenting themselves as its representatives or agents, claiming to facilitate the sale of so-called scrap metals and refinery equipment.

It warned that such individuals are not authorised and are attempting to mislead members of the public. The NNPC, therefore, advised the public, corporate organisations, and industry stakeholders to disregard any such claims or solicitations, urging them to exercise caution when dealing with persons making such representations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, NNPC Limited is not conducting, nor has it authorised, any sale of scrap metals, equipment, or refinery components from any of its facilities,” the company stated.

It added that any legitimate disposal of assets would only be conducted through established and transparent processes, publicly communicated via its official channels, and in line with applicable regulations.

The oil firm further encouraged members of the public who encounter individuals or entities making such claims to report the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. It reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of national energy assets.

“Any legitimate disposal of assets by NNPC Limited will only be conducted through established and transparent processes, publicly communicated through the company’s official channels, and in accordance with applicable regulations.

“Members of the public who encounter individuals or entities making such claims are encouraged to report the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. NNPC Limited remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of national energy assets,” the statement concluded.

The three NNPC refineries have remained idle over the years as efforts to revive them proved abortive. While stakeholders expressed concerns that the refineries may never work again, the NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said they would be revived.