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In a robust defence of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari has pledged to reveal the truth about the company's operations at the appropriate time.
Kyari stated this Wednesday, August 7, while testifying before a Senate ad hoc committee investigating alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum industry.
The committee, chaired by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, scrutinises NNPCL's activities amidst rising calls for public accountability.
Kyari firmly stated that NNPCL maintains a policy of transparency and integrity, refuting allegations of involvement in importing sub-standard products.
"We are not criminals, we are not thieves. We will protect our dignity so we can serve this country," Kyari asserted, according to a Daily Trust.
Kyari, visibly frustrated, expressed his dismay over unfair media reports aimed at damaging NNPCL's reputation.
Allegation of oil blending plant in Malta
Adding to the controversy, a significant allegation emerged concerning a blending plant purportedly owned by some government officials in Malta, an island country in the central Mediterranean Sea.
"To clarify the allegations regarding the blending plant, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world except for a local mini-agricultural venture," Kyari clarified.
"Neither am I aware of any employee of NNPC that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world."
Kyari emphasised that such allegations do not affect NNPCL's operations or strategic decisions.
Kyari commits to transparent operation in NNPCL
He assured that any NNPC employee found to be involved in such activities would face strict compliance sanctions and recommended that such individuals be publicly identified and reported to relevant government security agencies.
Kyari's testimony and subsequent statements on his X handle strongly reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the integrity of NNPCL amidst the ongoing investigations and media scrutiny.
"For further assurance, our compliance sanction grid shall apply to any NNPC employee who is established to be involved in such activities if availed, and I strongly recommend that such individuals be declared publicly and made known to relevant government security agencies for necessary actions in view of the grave implications for national energy security," he said.