The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially cautioned the public regarding a surge in fraudulent activities involving the alleged sale of refinery scrap materials. 

In a statement released to address the growing trend, the national oil company distanced itself from any individuals or groups claiming to have the authority to dispose of assets from the nation’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.

According to the NNPC, scammers have been using sophisticated tactics, including the distribution of forged documents, fake letters of authority, and impersonating high-ranking officials to lure unsuspecting investors and members of the public.

These bad actors often demand upfront payments or “processing fees” to secure the rights to purchase industrial scrap, promising high returns on the resale of the materials.

The company emphasized that the disposal of its assets, including scrap metal and decommissioned equipment, follows a strict, transparent, and regulated process. Any legitimate sale of NNPC property is conducted through public competitive bidding and is widely advertised in national dailies and on the company’s official procurement portal. The NNPC clarified that it does not conduct business via unofficial social media channels or private intermediaries demanding cash deposits.

Members of the public are advised to exercise extreme caution and perform due diligence before entering into any transactions involving purported NNPC assets. The company urged anyone who has been approached by these scammers to report the matter to the relevant law enforcement agencies immediately.