NNPC Denies Ownership Of Tanker Carrying 2,145kg Cannabis

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has denied ownership of a fuel tanker intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency with 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed in a specially constructed compartment in Ondo State. The clarification followed reports that the tanker, which was seized by NDLEA operatives, bore the logo of the state-owned oil company. In a statement issued on Monday, NNPC Ltd's spokesperson, Andy Odeh, said preliminary checks established that the tanker, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither owned by the company nor part of its official fleet. Odeh added that the vehicle was also not listed among the assets of NNPC Ltd or those operated by any of its authorised dealers. According to the company, the branding displayed on the tanker was an old version of its corporate identity and did not correspond with its current official branding. 'Preliminary checks indicated that the vehicle, with registration number MKA 960 XC, is neither owned by NNPC Ltd. nor part of the official fleet or any of its authorised dealers,' the statement said. NNPC Ltd disclosed that it was engaging the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to obtain more information about the tanker and determine how its former branding came to be displayed on the vehicle. The company stressed that it takes the unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly when its name or branding is linked to criminal activities. 'NNPC Ltd. takes any unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such use may be associated with unlawful activity,' the company said. It further stated that it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring procedures to prevent the misuse of its corporate identity. The oil company warned that it would take appropriate measures, including legal action where necessary, against individuals or entities found to be using its name, trademarks or other corporate identifiers without authorisation. The NDLEA had earlier announced the interception of the tanker in Ondo State following the discovery of a concealed compartment containing the large consignment of cannabis.