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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has denied paying N20 billion to ghost workers.
In a reaction signed by Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Garba Deen Muhammad, the company said it did not also defraud the Ogun State government as claimed in the media.
It noted that the process of engaging consultants whenever the need arises was clear and verifiable and followed global best practices.
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The company described the allegations as grievous and mindless of the consequences of such actions, insisting that the claim of a missing N20bn is false and baseless.
“The second component of the said unfortunate report is related to the Ogun State Government claiming a back duty tax liability of about N18bn, against an NNPC subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) Ltd.
“For clarity, PPMC had objected and challenged the claim through its Tax Consultant. Consequently, the Ogun State government took the matter to court which is not unusual in business circles.
“The matter is currently before the court and NNPC Ltd will prove its case accordingly.
“In conclusion, NNPC Ltd strongly advises the said online publication to be mindful of the consequences of its actions before taking them,” the statement noted.
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