Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following its admission of a staggering $6 billion debt to petrol suppliers.
This revelation, made public on Sunday, September 1, 2024, has exacerbated the ongoing fuel scarcity that has plagued the nation for six weeks.
Chief Communications Officer of NNPCL, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, confirmed the debt, highlighting the severe financial strain it has imposed on the company's operations. "NNPC Ltd has acknowledged recent reports regarding its significant debt to petrol suppliers.
This financial strain threatens the sustainability of fuel supply," Soneye stated. Despite these challenges, he assured that NNPCL remains committed to its role as the supplier of last resort, as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and is working with government agencies to ensure a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide.
Reacting to this development, Atiku expressed deep concern over the situation through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu. "What has become of these fictitious or phantom profits you once proudly proclaimed? Layers of deceit and lack of transparency have brought you to this unfortunate juncture," Atiku said in a terse statement via X (formerly Twitter).
He further accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of driving the NNPC to ruin, describing the current actions as the "ruthless dismantling of its assets."
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