By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for intercepting a truck reportedly carrying 2,145kg of cannabis concealed in a compartment in Ondo State.
The company, in a statement, said it had taken note of media reports concerning the vehicle, which bore markings associated with NNPC Ltd., but clarified that preliminary checks showed that the truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither owned by the company nor part of its official fleet or that of any authorised dealer.
NNPC Ltd. said the logo displayed on the vehicle was inconsistent with its current official branding, while the truck was not listed in its asset database.
The company added that it was engaging the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain further information and determine how its old branding came to be displayed on the vehicle.
NNPC Ltd. said it takes the unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where it may be linked to unlawful activities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its brand and ensuring that its name, trademarks and other corporate identifiers are not misused.
The company said it would continue to cooperate with the NDLEA and other security agencies, while supporting a full investigation into the ownership and operation of the truck and the circumstances surrounding the use of NNPC markings.
It also said it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring procedures and would take appropriate measures, including legal action where necessary, against unauthorised use of its corporate identity.
NNPC Ltd. urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles claiming to belong to the company through official channels.
The company again commended the NDLEA for its vigilance and efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, adding that it would provide all necessary support to ensure the facts surrounding the incident are conclusively established.
