(3 minutes read)
· The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) clarified that 48 million barrels of crude oil were not missing in the country and challenged the National Assembly to carry out a forensic audit on its operations at its own cost
· NNPC is on a denial mode
· The movements of the ships coming and going from the ports are under continuous surveillance and no such evidence has ever surfaced about movement of ships carrying contraband oil. The Nigerian Navy also did not report about such movements
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) clarified that 48 million barrels of crude oil were not missing in the country and challenged the National Assembly to carry out a forensic audit on its operations at its own cost.
The issue widely reported in the media came up for discussion at an interactive meeting officials of the NNPC had with the Senate Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning on projected revenues estimated for the 2021-23.
NNPC is on a denial mode. They are of the opinion that it was a mere allegation unsubstantiated by any proof or evidence. There was no evidence of the ships that sailed out with contraband oil. The movements of the ships coming and going from the ports are under continuous surveillance and no such evidence has ever surfaced about movement of ships carrying contraband oil. The Nigerian Navy also did not report about such movements.
No ship can leave Nigerian shores without the clearance from the appropriate authorities. NNPC also asserts that there was no loss of crude from its storage places. They are also ready for a forensic audit.
However, the National Assembly insists that NNPC should give evidences supported by proof and not oral deposition to come clean on the charges.
