NNPC Warns Against Refinery Scrap Fraud

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has raised the alarm over fraudulent claims circulating that it is selling scrap materials, equipment, and components from its refineries to individuals and private companies.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the company firmly denied authorising any such transactions, describing the reports as misleading and part of a deliberate scam targeting unsuspecting Nigerians.

The statement, signed by Chief Corporate Communications Officer Andy Odeh, stressed that NNPC has not issued any request for bids, tenders, or expressions of interest for the disposal of refinery assets.

“NNPC Limited wishes to alert the public to the circulation of misleading and false information suggesting that the company is selling scrap materials, equipment, or components from its refineries,” the statement read.

NNPC made it clear that no approval has been given for the sale of any items from the warehouses or inventories of its facilities in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.

The company added that any legitimate disposal of assets would follow transparent processes in line with regulatory requirements and would be officially communicated to the public.

Reports reaching the company indicate that some individuals are impersonating NNPC officials or agents, falsely claiming they can facilitate the sale of refinery scrap materials.

These fraudsters are said to be targeting both members of the public and corporate organisations in what NNPC described as an attempt to defraud Nigerians.

The oil giant urged stakeholders to exercise caution and avoid engaging with anyone making such claims.

NNPC advised the public to disregard all solicitations relating to the alleged sale of refinery equipment and to verify information only through its official communication channels.

“For the avoidance of doubt, NNPC Limited is not conducting, nor has it authorised, any sale of scrap metals, equipment, or refinery components from any of its facilities,” the statement emphasised.

NaijaChoice News reports that this alert comes as efforts continue to revive Nigeria’s refineries, with industry watchers noting that such scams often exploit public interest in the sector’s challenges.

The development underscores the need for vigilance in an economy where fake deals frequently prey on citizens desperate for opportunities.