In response to claims of importing substandard petroleum products into Nigeria, Matrix Energy Group has firmly denied the allegations, asserting that its products consistently meet approved specifications.
The oil marketing and trading company clarified that it is one of the largest fuel importers through Malta, a small European country, refuting allegations made by Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited.
The group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, immediate rejected these claims.
Nigeria’s petroleum importation from Malta saw a significant increase to $2.8 billion in 2023 from zero between 2017 and 2022, and a mere $13.32 million in 2016.
Matrix Energy’s management officially responded, affirming that in its two decades of operation, the company has never imported or distributed any substandard cargo.
Additionally, the Head of Corporate Communications at Matrix Energy Group, Ibrahim Akinola, stated that the company did not receive 200,000 metric tons of PMS in July 2024, as alleged in a news report.
The company stressed that they have consistently imported products meeting approved specifications and have never failed in adhering to laid down procedures issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Furthermore, they emphasized that their recent acquisition of the Utapate crude oil blend from OML 13 followed a legitimate bidding process, as required by regulations.
Matrix Energy Group firmly denied any wrongdoing by its Chief Executive Officer, Abdulkabir Adisa, highlighting his dedication to the company and trade guidelines. They emphasized that as a Nigerian, he has the right to freely engage in business activities globally.
The company expressed its commitment to providing high-quality petroleum products at competitive prices in support of Nigeria’s economic goals.