The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed as inaccurate a news report claiming that the company has ceased the importation of refined petroleum products and is now exclusively sourcing fuel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other local refineries.
The report, published by a national newspaper on Tuesday, quoted NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, as suggesting that fuel importation in Nigeria had come to an end.
Kyari made the remarks during a speech in Lagos at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists conference, which was themed “Resolving the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth, and Affordability.”
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However, in a subsequent statement, Femi Soneye, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, clarified that while Kyari’s words were accurately reported, the interpretation of those remarks in the article contained significant inaccuracies and misrepresentations of the facts.
“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,” he said.
Soneye called it unfortunate that incorrect assertions were included in the GCEO’s statement and urged media organizations to exercise due diligence when reporting on sensitive national issues.
“I write to request the right of reply regarding the misrepresentation of the GCEO’s statement on fuel importation in your coverage of the NAPE Conference. Your article, published on November 12, 2024, and titled ‘NNPCL Ends N24tn Fuel Import, Buys from Dangote Refinery,’ contains factually inaccurate assertions.
“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.
“While NNPC prioritises sourcing products from domestic refineries, this is contingent upon economic viability. If local supply is cost-effective, it will be preferred, but the same principle applies to other marketers, who will also evaluate total costs when deciding whether to buy locally or import.”
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Soneye stated that the economic viability would drive NNPCL’s decisions on whether to source refined petroleum from local refineries or import it. He emphasized that nowhere in the statement did Kyari announce the end of fuel importation or mention the N24 trillion figure referenced in the report.
He added, “It is also essential to note that the authority to grant import licences resides with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). NNPC Ltd. does not have control over more than 30% of the market, as stipulated by the PIA, which aims to prevent monopolies.
“The law promotes a free-market system where competition drives efficiency and cost reduction, ensuring that consumers benefit. Domestic refiners must compete on price and value, as patronage cannot be legislated in a deregulated sector.”
He praised the newspaper for accurately reporting that NNPC Ltd is making substantial investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure as part of its broader efforts to enhance energy security and affordability.
However, he cautioned against any further misrepresentation of facts, particularly concerning sensitive national energy security matters.
“However, I must express concern over a recurring trend of deliberate distortions and mischaracterization in some of your recent reports. While we understand that errors can occur, it is imperative that your reporters seek clarification when in doubt, especially on issues of national importance. Misleading narratives undermine public trust and the integrity of your reputable newspaper.
“I urge you to prioritize accuracy in your reporting and educate your team on the importance of seeking clarity before publishing sensitive content. A more cautious approach will benefit both your readership and the reputation of your publication,” he added.
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