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NNPCL Denies Halting Petrol Imports
The Nigerian Nationwide Petroleum Firm Restricted (NNPCL) has described a information report that it has ended the importation of refined petroleum merchandise and is now sourcing from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and different native refineries as a misrepresentation and misinterpretation of truth.
A newspaper had on Tuesday, credited NNPCL’s Group Chief Government Officer, Mele Kyari, as signalling the top of gas importation.
Kyari spoke in Lagos on the Nigerian Affiliation of Petroleum Explorationists convention themed: ‘Resolving the Nigerian Power Trilemma: Power Safety, Sustainable Development and Affordability.’
Nevertheless, in an announcement, Mr Femi Soneye, the NNPCL Chief Company Communications Officer, submitted that although Kyari’s assertion was appropriately quoted within the information report, the interpretation contained factually inaccurate assertions and misrepresentations.
“Whereas your report quotes the GCEO’s precise phrases in a number of cases, you’ve inserted interpretations that misrepresent the context and that means of the assertion. This misrepresentation has created a false narrative that deviates considerably from the info,” he mentioned.
Soneye described as unlucky the infusion of incorrect assertions within the GCEO’s assertion whereas warning media organisations to hold out due diligence when reporting delicate nationwide points.
“I write to request the proper of reply relating to the misrepresentation of the GCEO’s assertion on gas importation in your protection of the NAPE Convention. Your article, revealed on November 12, 2024, and titled ‘NNPCL Ends N24tn Gasoline Import, Buys from Dangote Refinery,’ incorporates factually inaccurate assertions.
“The GCEO’s assertion, ‘Immediately, NNPC doesn’t import any product; we’re solely taking from home refineries’, shouldn’t be construed to suggest that NNPC Ltd. is obligated to be the only real off-taker of any refinery or that we’ll now not import gas.
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“Whereas NNPC prioritises sourcing merchandise from home refineries, that is contingent upon financial viability. If native provide is cost-effective, will probably be most well-liked, however the identical precept applies to different entrepreneurs, who may even consider complete prices when deciding whether or not to purchase regionally or import.”
Soneye mentioned financial viability would information NNPCL in its selections on whether or not to supply refined petroleum from native refineries or import, noting that there was nowhere within the assertion the place Kyari introduced the top of gas importation or talked about N24 trillion contained within the report.
He added, “It’s also important to notice that the authority to grant import licences resides with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), as mandated by the Petroleum Business Act (PIA). NNPC Ltd. doesn’t have management over greater than 30% of the market, as stipulated by the PIA, which goals to stop monopolies.
“The legislation promotes a free-market system the place competitors drives effectivity and price discount, making certain that buyers profit. Home refiners should compete on value and worth, as patronage can’t be legislated in a deregulated sector.”
He recommended the newspaper for precisely reporting that NNPC Ltd was making vital investments in Compressed Pure Fuel (CNG) infrastructure as a part of its broader power safety and affordability initiatives however warned towards additional distortion of info particularly because it pertains to delicate nationwide power safety points.
“Nevertheless, I need to specific concern over a recurring pattern of deliberate distortions and mischaracterization in a few of your latest studies. Whereas we perceive that errors can happen, it’s crucial that your reporters search clarification when unsure, particularly on problems with nationwide significance. Deceptive narratives undermine public belief and the integrity of your respected newspaper.
“I urge you to prioritize accuracy in your reporting and educate your crew on the significance of in search of readability earlier than publishing delicate content material. A extra cautious method will profit each your readership and the popularity of your publication,” he added.
