… we did not discharge 200,000 metric tons of PMS into our facility in July 2024 – Akinola, Matrix Spokersperson

Oredola Adeola

Matrix Energy Group has asserted that its imported petroleum products meet the specifications set by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), while pledging to uphold the integrity and reputation it has built over the past 20 years.

Ibrahim Akinola, Corporate Communications Unit made this known in a statement obtained by Advisors Reports on Saturday.

This clarification follows widespread reports alleging that Matrix Energy is one of Nigeria’s major importers of off-spec petroleum products from Malta, as suggested in a recent statement by Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, which implicated officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, oil traders, and terminals in operating a blending plant in Malta.

Akinola in the statement said, “Matrix Energy has consistently imported products that meet the approved specifications, and we have never been found wanting in this regard.

“Our product quality is reflected in the fact that none of our customers have ever rejected our products; indeed, demand for Matrix products often outstrips available supplies, a testament to our reputation for reliability. This success is equally reflected in our fertilizer businesses,” he said.

The Matrix Energy spokesperson further noted that the company’s depots boast a storage capacity of 150 million liters of liquid products, including LPG and bitumen.

He said, “However, contrary to the claims made in the 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,” he said.

Akinola explained that Matrix Energy, like other companies, recently won NNPCL’s tender for its newly introduced Utapate crude oil blend from OML 13.

He said, “NNPC traditionally tenders its free crude cargos, and any company that wins the tender is operating within the law.

He added that the company as a people-oriented company that operates above board and in line with international best practices, welcomes constructive criticisms of its operations.

According to him, Abdulkabir Aliu, the Chief Executive Officer, is a talented and dedicated Nigerian with the right to associate freely as well as trade freely in any part of the world.

He said, “As 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 provide the market with best quality products.

“Those who know our CEO understand that he is far from lazy; rather, he is committed to making a positive impact,” the Matrix Energy spokesperson said.

Akinola emphasized that the CEO’s selection by President Bola Tinubu to serve on the Economic Coordination Council reflects recognition of his dedication to shared values and his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.