Victor Ezeja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed allegations of favoritism in awarding oil pipeline contracts, asserting that the process was transparent and adhered to international standards.
Addressing the allegations, NNPCL’s management stated that media reports on that are false, and only aimed at ruining the image of the national oil company.
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“These reports are fallacious and designed to bring the good name of the Company into disrepute. NNPC Limited is deeply committed to adhering to the highest standards of transparency and global best practices in all our activities, and this includes our contracting process,” the management said in a statement.
The controversy arose when certain media outlets suggested that a select “Northern oil cabal” had been favored in the award of pipeline rehabilitation contracts. NNPCL clarified that the contracts were awarded through a competitive tender process, guided by Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) standards and the active involvement of experts from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, NEITI, and the Ministry of Justice.
Furthermore, NNPCL detailed the consortium members selected for different lots of the pipeline rehabilitation contracts, highlighting a diverse group of companies involved in the projects.
It emphasized that these contracts are Build, Operate, and Transfer agreements and do not entail the transfer of control of the assets to any particular entity. The ownership of these strategic national assets remains with NNPCL.
The company’s statement concluded with an open invitation to engage in constructive dialogue with stakeholders, underlining their commitment to maintaining transparency and safeguarding the interests of Nigeria’s population.
NNPCL’s proactive response seeks to quell concerns and reinforce their dedication to transparent and equitable practices in the country’s vital energy sector.
