Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has refuted claims that he owns a blending plant outside Nigeria. Kyari addressed these allegations in a statement on Tuesday on his X account.
These denials come in response to assertions made by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group.
Amid the ongoing crisis involving his $20 billion refinery, Dangote claimed that some NNPC officials, along with certain traders, have established blending plants in Malta. He indicated that these activities were known within certain circles.
Kyari has categorically denied these allegations, clarifying that he does not own any blending plant outside Nigeria. He emphasized the need to address and dispel such misinformation to maintain transparency and integrity within the NNPC.
By openly refuting these claims, Kyari aims to uphold his reputation and the credibility of the NNPC amidst the unfolding controversy.
Reacting in a post on his X handle, Kyari said he had been inundated with calls from family members and friends, asking if he truly owns a blending plant in Malta.
Kyari stated that he does not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world, with the exception of a local mini-agric venture.
He also said he is not aware of any NNPC employee who owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.
“I am inundated by enquiries from family members, friends and associates on the public declaration by the President of Dangote Group that some NNPC workers have established a blending plant in Malta thereby impeding procurements from local production of Petroleum products.
“To clarify the allegations regarding the blending plant, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world with the exception of a local mini Agric venture, neither am I aware of any employee of the NNPC, that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.
“A blending plant in Malta or any part of the world has no influence over NNPC’s business operations and strategic actions.”
