The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has released a public notice alerting individuals, businesses, and organizations to the growing threat of scammers falsely claiming to represent the company. These fraudsters employ sophisticated tactics, including the use of counterfeit emails, forged documents, and fake social media profiles, to deceive unsuspecting victims into parting with money or sensitive information. NNPC Ltd emphasizes that such fraudulent activities are illegal and has called on the public to exercise vigilance to avoid falling prey to these schemes.
The scammers often pose as NNPC Ltd officials, recruiters, offering fictitious job opportunities, lucrative contracts, or investment deals related to the oil and gas sector. They typically demand upfront payments for processing fees, registration, or other fabricated costs, which NNPC Ltd has clarified are not part of its legitimate operations. The company has reiterated that its recruitment processes, contract awards, and business transactions are conducted transparently through official channels and do not involve unsolicited requests for payments.
NNPC Ltd has outlined specific red flags to help the public identify potential scams. These include unsolicited communications claiming affiliation with the company, requests for personal or financial information, and offers that appear too good to be true, such as high-paying jobs without formal interviews or contracts with minimal requirements. The company advises individuals and businesses to verify any correspondence by contacting NNPC Ltd directly through its official website (www.nnpcgroup.com) (www.nnpcgroup.com) or verified social media accounts, such as its X handle (@NNPCgroup).
The public notice also highlights the misuse of NNPC Ltd’s logo, letterheads, and other branding materials by scammers to create a false sense of legitimacy. Fraudsters may send emails from domains that mimic the company’s official email addresses or create websites that closely resemble NNPC Ltd’s online platforms. The company has urged the public to scrutinize the authenticity of such communications and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies immediately.
To further protect the public, NNPC Ltd has provided guidance on its legitimate operational procedures. For instance, job vacancies are advertised only through the company’s official website and reputable national newspapers, with a structured application process that does not require payment. Similarly, contract bidding and procurement processes follow strict guidelines outlined in Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act, and only registered vendors with verified credentials are engaged.
The company has also addressed the issue of fraudulent investment schemes, where scammers promise high returns on alleged partnerships with NNPC Ltd. These schemes often target unsuspecting investors, both locally and internationally, with promises of exclusive access to oil and gas projects. NNPC Ltd has clarified that it does not solicit investments through unsolicited emails, phone calls, or third-party agents and encourages investors to conduct thorough due diligence before engaging in any financial commitments.
Victims of such scams are encouraged to report incidents to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Nigeria Police Force for investigation and possible prosecution of the perpetrators. NNPC Ltd has pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement to bring the scammers to justice and reduce the prevalence of these fraudulent activities. The company has also warned that it will take legal action against individuals or entities found to be impersonating its staff or misusing its brand.
This warning comes amid a rise in reported cases of fraud linked to the oil and gas industry, with scammers exploiting the reputation of NNPC Ltd as Nigeria’s leading energy company. The company’s proactive stance aims to safeguard its stakeholders and maintain public trust in its operations. NNPC Ltd has assured the public that it is working to strengthen its cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns to combat these scams effectively.
For additional information or to verify any communication purportedly from NNPC Ltd, the public is advised to contact the company’s corporate headquarters in Abuja or its regional offices. The company’s official website provides detailed information on its operations, recruitment processes, and contact points for inquiries. NNPC Ltd remains committed to transparency and integrity in all its dealings and urges the public to stay informed and cautious.
