The Federal Government has denied it directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to increase petroleum prices.
A statement by Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri on Tuesday said it has become necessary to clarify that the FG has no hand in the increment.
According to the statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Nnemaka Okafor, the FG said it did not direct the NNPC Ltd. or any other entity within the sector to manipulate prices.
He said “The Federal Government has been compelled to address the outright falsehood and malicious claims currently circulating on social media. We categorically condemn these claims as baseless, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to incite public discontent.
“We challenge anyone in possession of any evidence-be it written documents, audio, or video recordings-that supports these fabrications to make it public.
“Such a claim is entirely devoid of truth and should be recognised as an intentional effort to mislead the public,” he said.
He explained that the NNPC Ltd. operates as an independent entity under the Companies and Allied Matters Act CAMA, with a fully empowered Board of Directors and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not, and will not interfere in NNPC Ltd.’s internal decisions, including pricing matters.
“Any suggestion otherwise is not only incorrect but also reveals a profound misunderstanding of the deregulated nature of Nigeria’s petroleum sector,” he said.
He advised the public to dismiss these malicious rumors.
“Any claim to the contrary is nothing more than an ill- conceived attempt to sow discord and confusion.
“We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely solely on information from verified and official channels,” he said.
Daily Intel Newspaper reported earlier that the NNPC retail stations adjusted their pump price from N617 to N897 per litre, while Independent marketers are selling between N930 to N1,000.
The price hike has since sparked fury and condemnation by many Nigerians.
