Matrix Energy Denies Allegation of Substandard Fuel Importation to Nigeria
Matrix Energy Group, a prominent indigenous oil marketing and trading company, has firmly denied recent allegations that it imports substandard petroleum products into Nigeria.
In a statement released by the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ibrahim Akinola, Matrix Energy emphasized that it has consistently imported products that meet all approved specifications. The company assured the public of its unwavering commitment to quality, highlighting that none of its products have ever been rejected by customers, underscoring its reputation for reliability.
The company’s response comes on the heels of a report by an online media outlet, which claimed that Matrix Energy is one of the major fuel importers through Malta, a small European nation. The report alleged that Matrix discharged over 200,000 metric tons of petrol at its jetty in Warri, Delta State, in July 2024, a claim that Matrix Energy strongly refuted.
Matrix Energy clarified that while it has the capacity and customer base to handle such volumes, it did not discharge 200,000 metric tons of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at its facility during the period in question. The firm stated, “Matrix Energy has never imported or distributed any substandard cargo in our two decades of operation.”
The statement further elaborated on the company’s robust standing within the industry, highlighting its recognition and approval by global international companies, national oil companies, major construction firms, and various end-users. Akinola noted, “Our consistent ability to deliver on all contracts at competitive prices has solidified our strong position in the industry today.”
Addressing the report’s broader context, the statement referenced allegations made by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, last month. Dangote had claimed that certain officials within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, along with oil traders, had established a blending plant in Malta—a claim swiftly refuted by NNPC Group CEO, Mele Kyari.
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The online report also highlighted a significant increase in Nigeria’s petroleum importation from Malta, which reportedly surged to $2.8 billion in 2023. However, Matrix Energy’s statement underscored that the company’s operations remain fully compliant with the standards set by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON).
In response to insinuations about the close relationship between Matrix Energy’s CEO, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, and top management at NNPC, the company defended its participation in NNPC’s tender process, stating, “Matrix Energy, like other companies, also won the tenders. Our CEO, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, is a talented and dedicated Nigerian with the right to associate freely and trade freely in any part of the world.”
Matrix Energy reiterated its dedication to supporting Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain, aligning its operations with the national interest. The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to providing high-quality petroleum products at competitive prices, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
