The chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari has vowed to disclose the truth about the company's operations when the time is right.
This commitment comes amidst rising allegations and scrutiny within the oil sector, particularly concerning economic sabotage and the importation of substandard products.
During a Senate hearing on August 7, 2024, Kyari testified before an ad hoc committee chaired by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, which is investigating alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum industry.
Kyari firmly stated that NNPCL maintains a policy of transparency and integrity, refuting allegations of involvement in importing sub-standard products. He emphasized, "We are not criminals, we are not thieves. We will protect our dignity so we can serve this country."
Adding to the controversy, a major allegation emerged concerning a blending plant purportedly owned by some government officials in Malta.
Kyari categorically denied these claims, stating, "To clarify the allegations regarding the blending plant, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world except for a local mini-agricultural venture."
He further asserted, "Neither am I aware of any employee of NNPC that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world."
Kyari expressed his frustration over unfair media reports aimed at damaging NNPCL's reputation. He assured that any NNPC employee found to be involved in such activities would face strict compliance sanctions and recommended that such individuals be publicly identified and reported to relevant government security agencies.
"For further assurance, our compliance sanction grid shall apply to any NNPC employee who is established to be involved in such activities if availed, and I strongly recommend that such individuals be declared publicly and made known to relevant government security agencies for necessary actions in view of the grave implications for national energy security," he said.
The Senate hearing highlighted critical issues of corporate governance, media influence, and regulatory compliance within the Nigerian petroleum sector.
Kyari's testimony and subsequent statements on his X handle strongly reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the integrity of NNPCL amidst the ongoing investigations and media scrutiny.
Comentários