The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has categorically denied reports suggesting that it recently imported 200 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The company also clarified that it has not imported any volume of petrol in 2025.
In a statement issued by NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, on Tuesday in Abuja, the company responded to a report, not published by The PUNCH, which falsely claimed that the national oil firm had imported 200 million litres of petrol.
Soneye dismissed the claim as either the result of “lazy and unprofessional journalism” or a “deliberate, sponsored attempt by economic saboteurs to mislead the public.” He stated, “The report alleging that NNPC Limited imported over 200 million litres of PMS in February 2025 is entirely false, baseless, and reckless. It is either a reflection of irresponsible journalism or a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at deceiving the public.”
He further clarified, “To set the record straight: NNPC Limited has not imported a single litre of PMS in 2025.”
The NNPCL also emphasized that it does not control the import operations of private marketers and described the attribution of all petrol imports to the company as misleading.
While reaffirming that no imports of PMS have occurred this year, the company underscored that there is no legal restriction preventing it from doing so should the need arise. Soneye added, “We do not regulate the import activities of private marketers, nor do we issue import licences. Suggesting that NNPC is solely responsible for all PMS imports is not only misleading but a gross misrepresentation of the facts.”
He concluded, “As Nigeria’s leading energy company, we are committed to ensuring energy security. Should supply shortages occur, NNPC Limited has both the right and responsibility to intervene and import petrol to stabilize the market.”
The NNPCL condemned the circulation of such misinformation, stressing that it distorts market realities, misleads key stakeholders, and serves to misguide the public. The company also warned that it would take legal action against those responsible for fabricating and spreading false reports.
“We will not tolerate the spread of false and malicious reports that aim to tarnish our reputation. NNPC Limited is prepared to take all necessary legal actions to hold those responsible for creating and disseminating falsehoods accountable,” the statement concluded.
