By JKNewsMedia
THE NIGERIAN National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has backed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) interception of a truck reportedly carrying 2,145kg of cannabis in a concealed compartment in Ondo State, while clarifying that the vehicle does not belong to the company.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the NNPC Ltd. said preliminary checks showed that the truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, is neither owned by the company nor part of its official fleet or that of any authorised dealer.
The company also said the logo displayed on the vehicle does not match its current official branding, while the truck does not appear in its asset database.
NNPC Ltd. said it is engaging with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to obtain further information and establish the circumstances surrounding the use of the company’s old branding on the vehicle.
The company said it takes any unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such use may be associated with unlawful activity.
It added that it remains committed to protecting the integrity of its brand and ensuring that its name, trademarks and other corporate identifiers are not misused.
NNPC Ltd. said it would continue to cooperate fully with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies, supporting a full investigation into the incident.
The investigation will establish the ownership and operation of the vehicle and determine how NNPC Ltd. markings came to be displayed on it.
The company also said it is reviewing its brand protection and asset monitoring protocols and would take appropriate steps, including legal action where warranted, against any unauthorised use of its corporate identity.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the 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 appropriate official channels.
The company commended the NDLEA for its vigilance and sustained efforts in combating illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, adding that it remains fully supportive of the ongoing investigation and will provide all necessary cooperation to establish the facts conclusively.
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