NNPC Limited has denied reports alleging that it is selling refinery equipment, scrap materials, or components from any of its facilities, describing the claims as false, misleading, and the handiwork of fraudsters seeking to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
The state-owned energy company issued the clarification in a statement released on Friday in Abuja and signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh.
The statement, titled Fraudulent Claims on Sale of Refinery Scrap and Equipment, was issued in response to circulating reports suggesting that the company had begun disposing of scrap metals, obsolete machinery, and other refinery materials to individuals and private organisations.
According to NNPC Limited, no such exercise has been approved or initiated, and any information indicating otherwise should be disregarded.
“The company wishes to categorically state that this information is untrue. NNPC Limited has not issued any request for bids, tenders, expressions of interest, or approvals for the sale of scrap materials, refinery components, or any items from the warehouses or inventories of any of its refineries,” the statement said.
The company further warned that some individuals are falsely presenting themselves as representatives, agents, or intermediaries of NNPC Limited in an attempt to lure members of the public into fraudulent transactions.
It said these persons have no authorisation from the organisation and are exploiting the company’s name and reputation to mislead potential buyers.
“These individuals are not authorised by NNPC Limited and are attempting to mislead members of the public,” the statement added.
The clarification comes amid growing public interest in the rehabilitation, operations, and asset management of Nigeria’s major refineries, including facilities in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
NNPC Limited urged members of the public, corporate bodies, contractors, and stakeholders in the petroleum sector to exercise caution and avoid engaging with anyone making claims about access to refinery scrap or industrial equipment allegedly being sold by the company.
It stressed that any genuine disposal of assets by the organisation would only take place through officially approved, transparent, and competitive procedures in line with regulatory standards.
“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 company said.
It added that any legitimate sale or disposal process would be publicly announced through its verified communication channels and would comply fully with applicable procurement laws and internal governance procedures.
Industry observers say such scams often emerge when large government-owned institutions undertake restructuring, rehabilitation projects, or changes in asset management, as fraudsters attempt to exploit public assumptions that obsolete equipment may be up for sale.
The company therefore advised prospective buyers and businesses to independently verify any commercial offer said to originate from NNPC Limited before making payments or entering agreements.
It also encouraged anyone approached by suspicious individuals or organisations using the company’s name to promptly report the matter to relevant security and law enforcement agencies.
“Members of the public who encounter individuals or entities making such claims are encouraged to report the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities,” the statement noted.
As Nigeria’s national oil company, NNPC Limited manages strategic energy assets and plays a central role in crude oil production, gas development, refining, fuel supply, and energy infrastructure investments.
Since its transition into a limited liability company under the Petroleum Industry Act, the organisation has repeatedly pledged to improve corporate governance, transparency, and commercial efficiency.
Friday’s statement reaffirmed those commitments, noting that the company remains focused on responsible management of national energy resources.
“NNPC Limited remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of national energy assets,” the statement added.
Analysts say the warning is significant because fraudulent procurement schemes often target businesses looking for industrial metals, heavy machinery, or refinery spare parts at discounted rates.
Such scams may involve forged documents, fake auction notices, impersonation of company officials, and demands for advance payments.
The latest disclaimer is expected to help protect investors, contractors, and members of the public from financial loss while preserving confidence in the company’s procurement and asset disposal processes.
Stakeholders in the oil and gas sector have also welcomed repeated public notices by institutions warning against impersonation and false commercial claims, noting that clear communication helps reduce opportunities for fraud.
The statement also underscores the need for organisations and individuals to rely only on verified official channels when dealing with major public institutions.
NNPC Limited did not indicate whether any arrests had been made in connection with the alleged impersonation, but security agencies are expected to monitor reports arising from the matter.
For now, the company has made it clear that no refinery scrap, obsolete equipment, or warehouse materials are being sold under its authority.
Members of the public have therefore been urged to remain vigilant, avoid unofficial transactions, and confirm any claims through recognised company platforms before taking action.
