The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has strongly denied reports that it imported over 200 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in February 2025, stating that such claims are “completely false, baseless, and a reckless misrepresentation of facts.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL clarified that it has not imported a single litre of petrol in 2025, even though it remains legally permitted to do so if necessary.
“NNPC Limited has not imported a single litre of PMS in 2025. We do not control the import activities of private marketers, nor do we issue import licenses,” Soneye said.
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The company also warned against the spread of misinformation, stating that false reports could distort market realities, mislead stakeholders, and undermine public confidence in its operations.
NNPCL Maintains the Right to Import for Energy Security
While insisting that it has not engaged in fuel importation this year, NNPCL emphasized that it retains the right to do so if necessary to prevent disruptions in fuel supply.
“While NNPC Limited has not imported PMS in 2025, let it be clear that there is no legal restriction preventing us from doing so if necessary. As Nigeria’s foremost energy company, we have a duty to ensure energy security. Should any supply shortages arise, NNPC Limited retains the full right and responsibility to step in and import to stabilize the market,” Soneye stated.
However, expressing concern over what it described as deliberate attempts to misinform Nigerians, NNPCL threatened legal action against individuals or media organizations found guilty of spreading falsehoods about its operations.
“Misinformation of this magnitude does a grave disservice to the public, distorts market realities, and misleads key stakeholders. NNPC Limited will not tolerate the spread of false and malicious reports aimed at undermining its reputation,” the statement warned.
The national oil company urged media organizations to verify their facts before publication and assured Nigerians of its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Background: Reports of NNPCL’s Alleged Importation
The controversy began following a report that NNPCL imported 159,000 metric tons of PMS (equivalent to over 200 million litres) between February 1 and February 12, 2025.
The report triggered a wave of public backlash, with many Nigerians questioning why the country continues to import petrol despite repeated assurances that local refineries—particularly those owned by NNPCL—were undergoing refurbishment.
The debate also fueled concerns about NNPCL’s role in fuel distribution, especially in light of recent fuel price hikes and scarcity in some regions.
NNPCL Links Fuel Supply to Dangote Refinery Amid Accusations
In its defense, NNPCL stated that some of the PMS sold at its retail stations in Lagos, including the fuel purchased at its Ojodu Berger outlet, came from the Dang1ote Refinery.
“A significant percentage of Premium Motor Spirit sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos—where this deceptive video was created—is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, a strategic partner in promoting local production and energy security,” the company said.
NNPCL further assured Nigerians that its petrol is “carefully formulated with one of the best compositions, ensuring optimal efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability.”
The company also dismissed a viral video alleging that fuel purchased from its stations burns faster than expected, labeling the claim as “unverified and amateur research that lacks credibility, accuracy, and professional oversight.”
“We will not tolerate deliberate misinformation designed to undermine our operations and mislead Nigerians,” NNPCL warned, vowing to take legal action against individuals spreading falsehoods about its business.
Dangote Refinery Denies Link to Dirty Fuel
Despite NNPCL’s assertion that its fuel supply came from Dangote Refinery, sources from Dangote Industries Limited have denied it, questioning why NNPCL was attempting to link its fuel supply to the private refinery.
An unnamed official from Dangote Refinery, who spoke to The Punch, stated that while the refinery supplies high-quality PMS, it does not account for all fuel sold by NNPCL.
“NNPCL has its refineries and has also been importing fuel from other countries. So why are they now trying to tie this issue to Dangote Refinery? It makes no sense,” the official said.
Another insider source said that NNPCL might be trying to drag the refinery into a controversy to divert attention from its own operations.
“The NNPCL may be trying to drag the refinery into a controversy, but I don’t think that is necessary; they should just be ignored. The NNPCL is just trying to be smart. They’ve been importing. Have they come out to say, no, we are not importing it? So, what are we talking about? They also have their refineries. We don’t sell substandard fuel, and Nigerians know that.
“We can’t respond to such a press release. When something is good, it is good. No doubt about it. Everybody is confirming that. Everybody can testify to it,” the source added.
While NNPCL insists it will not import petrol in 2025, reports of fuel importation and distribution data suggest otherwise. The company has been criticized over fuel quality concerns, with some Nigerians claiming that the petrol it sells burns faster than that of other suppliers.
The controversy surrounding fuel importation and supply in Nigeria seems far from over. While NNPCL remains the dominant player in the petroleum sector, recent happenings raise questions about transparency in fuel importation and pricing.
With continued delays in fully revamping Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, the debate over local production versus importation is likely to intensify, especially as Nigerians grapple with rising fuel costs and inconsistent supply.