Security Agencies Move against Importers of Off-spec Petrol

Security agencies have begun the probe of companies and individuals allegedly involved in the importation of toxic fuel into the country, THISDAY investigation has revealed. 

This is coming as many filling stations were still under lock and key in Abuja and Lagos yesterday while the few that were selling petrol had long queues, despite the desperate efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to bring the situation under control in the last one week.

The importation and circulation of adulterated petrol had resulted in damage to vehicle engines across many parts of the country.
It also affected the supply chain, causing long queues in Lagos and Abuja as filling stations shut down to clean up their tanks.
The situation is considered in security circles to have far-reaching economic and security implications.

THISDAY gathered that intelligence agencies invited companies involved in the scam, and they are presently undergoing interrogation.
Presidency sources confirmed to THISDAY that the masterminds of such a deadly importation would be held accountable as heads would roll over the development.

“Security agencies have commenced detailed investigation into circumstances that led to the importation of toxic fuel into the country.
“We are looking at who played what role and who did what. Many heads will roll. So far, all parties concerned are saying what they know. The government is not taking it lightly. Security agencies are on it,” a presidency source told THISDAY.

“It has security and economic implications. Investigations will involve all of them and heads will roll.
“At corporate and individual levels, they are cooperating and providing information about their involvement.
“It’s not out of place to investigate. Do you expect such a thing will happen without investigation when the president has ordered a probe?

“Critical players are being invited. The probe will be very comprehensive and heads will roll. Everyone, who played whatever role will be established”, another source explained.
The NMDPRA had alerted Nigerians over its discovery of petrol imported into the country that contained methanol above Nigeria’s specification.

The methanol-blended petrol, which is not made for Nigeria, made its way into the country.
The quantity was said to be within the range of 200 million litres.

The NNPC handles all the imports through its ‘Crude-for-fuel’ contracts, also known as Direct Sale, Direct Purchase (DSDP).
The agency conducted the business through a consortium of local and foreign oil firms.
Each consortium is said to have received about 20,000 barrels per day of crude oil in exchange for products, making the combined total of about 320,000bpd of Nigeria’s output.

The consortium, according to NNPC, includes MRS, Oando, EMADEB/Hyde/AY Maikifi/Brittania and Duke Oil.
The NNPC, consequently, accused the four petroleum suppliers it engaged in the swap-crude-for-petrol of culpability.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Sylva, later promised that government would compensate those whose car engines were affected by the toxic fuel.
But the contractors denied responsibility. 

Thisday