NNPCL CEO Kyari Refutes Dangote’s Allegation About Underhand Deals By ‘NNPCL People’

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari has denied allegations credited to the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, about the existence of fifth columnists in the Corporation who are working to undermine the petroleum sector in Nigeria.

RovingNaija News recalls that Mr Dangote was quoted as alleging, among others, that, “Some NNPC people have opened a blending plant somewhere off Malta where they bring in poor quality products with fake certificates.

He also expressed his resolve to confront forces working against the development of the petroleum sector in the country.

“I don’t fear anybody and I will say more as we progress and will fight them head on.”

However, in a statement on Tuesday, Kyari said he is compelled to respond to the allegations which he considers unfounded and capable of undermining government’s efforts to improve the oil and gas sector in the country.

“I am inundated by enquiries from family members, friends and associates on the public declaration by the President of Dangote Group that some NNPCL workers have established a blending plant in Malta thereby impeding procurements from local production of Petroleum products.

“To clarify the allegations regarding blending plant, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world with the exception of a local mini Agric venture. Neither am I aware of any employee of the NNPC, that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.

Mr Kyari also clarified that there is no connection whatsoever between the allegation over the ownership of blending plant in Malta and the purported negative impact it could have on the petroleum value chain in the country.

“A blending plant in Malta or any part of the world has no influence over NNPC’s business operations and strategic actions, “he said.

The NNPCL helmsman further challenged Alhaji Dangote to avail security agents of the names of the accused workers as well as volunteers more facts for further investigation and necessary action.

“For further assurance, our compliance sanction grid shall apply to any NNPC employee who is established to be involved in doing so if availed and I strongly recommend that such individuals be declared public and be made known to relevant government security agencies for necessary actions in view of the grave implications for national energy security,” he said.