Following a report that broke out Friday on alleged importation of substandard petroleum products from Malta by Matrix Energy Group, DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that the story was planted by a Nigerian billionaire, in his bid to help his friend, Aliko Dangote, who is currently fighting oil marketers and International Oil Companies.
Recall the an online newspaper that is not DAILY NIGERIAN had claimed that the company, which is owned by Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, a member of President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Coordination Council, was involved in importing substandard petroleum products.
The newspaper claimed that in July 2024 alone, over 200,000 tonnes of petrol from Malta were discharged into the Matrix jetty in Warri, Delta State.
But multiple sources disclosed that the billionaire, known to fight dirty, especially after having framed and won his fight against a sitting House of Representatives member in the past.
It was also gathered that the billionaire who used to be a major player in the oil industry but has since moved his investment into banking sector and stock market, saw Matrix Energy as the face of the oil marketers in Nigeria, who are allegedly behind Mr Dangote’s Refinery woes.
He, therefore, vowed to frustrate the company by any means, including using the current Malta importation debacle.
A source who is very familiar with the planted story against Matrix Energy noted that the billionaire who has high profile friends in the media reached out to a publisher friend with some documents, which was thereafter published.
This was after Matrix Energy CEO had appeared before the Senate Committee and stylishly accused Mr Dangote of attempting to monopolise the oil industry just like he did to sugar business in Nigeria.
The statement, according to sources, irked Mr Dangote and his friend who felt that Mr Abdulkadir was digging into an industry that may cause Nigerians to begin to demand for an open market.
Meanwhile, the company has since denied importing substandard Petroleum products from Russia and Malta into the country.
Denying the allegations in a statement on Friday, the company’s head of corporate communication, Ibrahim Akinola, said “Matrix Energy has consistently imported products that meet the approved specifications, and we have never been found wanting in this regard”.
The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to a recent online publication where our name was featured.
“We would have loved to ignore the tissue of lies spewed in the publication but the need to set the records straight and facts from sensation behoves on us to address the matter, as well as the need to protect and uphold the integrity of the brand and reputation we have meticulously built over the past 20 years.
“Matrix Energy Group is a wholly indigenous and independent oil marketing and trading company, with substantial investments in strategic infrastructure, including vessels, oil and gas terminals, trucks, and retail outlets across 28 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Our company is recognized and approved by global international companies, national oil companies, major construction firms, and various end-users. Our consistent ability to deliver on all contracts at competitive prices has solidified our strong position in the industry today.
“The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is the sole regulatory body empowered by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to issue import licenses and enforce the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) product specifications.
“Matrix Energy has consistently imported products that meet the approved specifications, and we have never been found wanting in this regard.
“Our commitment to quality is reflected in the fact that none of our customers have ever rejected our products; indeed, demand for Matrix products often exceeds our capacity to supply, a testament to our reputation for reliability. This success is equally reflected in our fertilizer businesses.
“Our depots boast a storage capacity of 150 million liters of liquid products, including LPG and bitumen. However, contrary to the claims made in the aforementioned publication, we did not discharge 200,000 metric tons of PMS into our facility in July 2024.
“While we have the capacity and customer base to handle such volumes, Matrix Energy has never imported or distributed any substandard cargo in our two decades of operation. Our quality test has never been doubted by the regulators and Nigerians who have found a partner in us.
“It is important to note that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) recently introduced its Utapate crude oil blend from OML 13. NNPC traditionally tenders its free crude cargoes , and any company that wins the tender is operating within the law.
“Matrix Energy like other companies also won the tenders. As a people oriented company that operates above board and in line with international best practices, we welcome constructive criticisms.”
The company also absorbed its Chief Executive Officer of any wrong doing, saying: “Our Chief Executive Officer, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu is a talented and dedicated Nigerian with the right to associate freely as well as trade freely in any part of the world.
“Like he stated in his presentation before the Nigerian Senate, we are not aware that Nigerian companies have been banned from bringing in legitimate and standard products from outside the country and until such is done, we will continue to serve the public with best quality products.
“Those who know our CEO understands that he is far from lazy; rather, he is deeply committed to making a positive impact. His selection by Mr. President to serve as a member of the Economic Coordination Council is a recognition of his dedication to shared values and his commitment to the betterment of Nigeria in the Renewed Hope Agenda , for which he remains deeply grateful.”
“Matrix Energy Group remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting Nigeria by ensuring the availability of petroleum products at competitive prices, in alignment with Mr. President’s vision for the country,” the statement added.
Comments are closed.