By Ali Elias
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has strongly denied media reports alleging it inflated subsidy claims by N3.3 trillion. In a press release, Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye stated that NNPC Ltd. is unaware of any audit of its subsidy claims or related probes. The company insists it operates on a commercial basis and will resist any attempts to drag it into the politics of fuel subsidies.
The Statement, entitled, NNPC Ltd Disclaims Report On Alleged Inflated Subsidy Claims, reads: The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) notes with dismay a report in a section of the media alleging that it inflated subsidy claims by N3.3 trillion, and wishes to state that:
1. NNPC Ltd. conducts its businesses accountably and transparently in keeping with international best practices and has, at no time, inflated its subsidy claims with the Federal Government. All previous subsidy claims by the Company are verifiable, as relevant records and documents have been sent to relevant authorities and agencies.
2. NNPC Ltd. is neither aware of any audit of its subsidy claims nor the probe ensuing there from and wishes to state categorically that both ridiculous claims are products of the febrile imagination of the reporters and their respective media houses.
3. NNPC Ltd. will resist any attempt to drag the Company into the apparent politics of fuel subsidy as it currently operates on a commercial basis and the express provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
4. It is on record that, in line with its Transparency, Accountability & Performance Excellence (TAPE) mantra, NNPC Ltd. has, on several occasions, independently invited external auditors to review its books.
5. NNPC Ltd. calls on media practitioners and media houses to exercise restraint and verify information before publication in keeping with the ethics of the noble profession of journalism to avoid misleading the public.