NNPC DISOWNS FUEL TRUCK CONVEYING CANNABIS

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has disowned a fuel truck intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency after it was found to be carrying 2,145kg of cannabis in Ondo State.

The company said preliminary checks showed that the truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither owned by NNPC nor part of its official fleet or that of any authorised dealer.

NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said the vehicle carried markings associated with the company, but its logo was inconsistent with NNPC’s current official branding. He added that the truck was not listed in the company’s asset database.

The company said it was engaging the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to establish how its old branding came to be displayed on the vehicle.

NNPC commended the NDLEA for intercepting the truck and said it would cooperate fully with security agencies investigating the incident.

The company also stated that it takes the unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly when linked to unlawful activities.

NNPC said it was reviewing its brand protection and asset monitoring measures and would take appropriate legal action where necessary.