NNPC Ltd denies refinery scrap sales, warns investors against scammers

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s national oil company, NNPC Limited, has raised the alarm over what it described as fraudulent claims targeting investors and businesses with fake offers to purchase refinery scrap and equipment.

In a public notice issued on Friday by NNPCL spokesman, Andy Odeh, the company denied any ongoing sale of refinery assets, warning that such claims are designed to mislead unsuspecting stakeholders in the oil and gas value chain.

“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,” the statement said.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns in the downstream and asset disposal market, where speculative opportunities around refinery upgrades and asset restructuring have heightened investor interest.

NNPC disclosed that it had received multiple reports of individuals falsely posing as its representatives to facilitate purported sales of “scrap metals” and refinery equipment.

“These individuals are not authorised by NNPC Limited and are attempting to mislead members of the public,” the company warned.

In an advisory to investors, contractors, and corporate organisations, the national oil firm urged stakeholders to disregard such solicitations and conduct due diligence before engaging in any transactions linked to its operations.

“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,” it added.

The company stressed that any legitimate asset disposal would follow “established and transparent processes” and be publicly communicated through official channels in line with regulatory requirements.

The warning underscores persistent risks of fraud in Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem, particularly as ongoing reforms and asset optimisation efforts create new business expectations.