By Wiliams Ejovi Atunusha
In an age where information is at our fingertips, the responsibility of corporate citizens to uphold integrity and transparency has never been more critical. Unfortunately, however, recent development in the oil and gas industry has left a sour taste in the mouth. A situation where a competitor goes out of his way to procure, generate and circulate damaging black comms against another industry player just to gain an advantage over it raise serious concerns about the ethical boundaries of corporate competition.
As the Nigerian oil and gas sector continues to evolve, the emergence of fake news as a weapon in corporate rivalry has become alarmingly prevalent and disconcerting. Last week, a spurious and misleading information about the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), in a video format, suddenly surfaced online. It was a dubious research video purporting to compare the quality and longevity of petrol produced by Dangote Refinery with that of NNPCL. The video claimed that NNPCL’s petrol does not last as long as Dangote’s, a statement that lacks any iota of credible scientific procedure to back it.
Such assertions are not merely marketing ploys; they are insidious attempts to manipulate public perception and sway consumer behavior. In a zero-sum game where one company’s gain is perceived as another’s loss, the stakes are high, and the tactics employed can be alarmingly unscrupulous. It is a stark reminder of how far corporate citizens can go to undermine public trust for the sake of competitive advantage.
Not one to allow such a crudely procured video go unchallenged, the NNPCL swiftly countered it, labeling it what it is – a “fake research with misleading, incredible and baseless conclusion.” It was simply a venture that lacks a single strand of scientific authority.
That the so-called ‘research’ chose to compare the petrol he allegedly got from Dangote Refinery with that of the NNPCL, at once raises questions as to the motive behind the video. The NNPCL wasted no time in declaring the video a blackmail, knowing it is the handiwork of unscrupulous competitors.
Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPCL, in a statement Saturday, February 15, 2025, said the claim “emanated from an unverified and amateur research, which lacks credibility, accuracy, and professional oversight.”
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Soneye averred that “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited strongly refutes the false and misleading allegations made in a viral video circulating online, which claims that NNPC fuel does not last.
“NNPC Ltd reaffirms that its fuel is carefully formulated with one of the best compositions, ensuring optimal efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability for consumers.
“Furthermore, it is important to emphasise that a significant percentage of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos—where this deceptive video was created—is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, a strategic partner in promoting local production and energy security.”
While industry watchers are still trying to figure out and unravel the hand and voice behind the fake video, another sinister fake news against the NNPCL was uncovered on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. It was an email from an individual that works at the Headquarters of Dangote Industries Limited to an Editor of an unnamed medium, pleading that a news item titled: “NNPCL imports over 200million litres of petrol in February despite refinery overhaul” be considered for publication. The body of the email reads “Dear Editor, trust this meets you well. Please consider this in your esteemed platform. Kind regards.”
As to be expected, the NNPCL has refuted the report. Soneye in an official statement on Tuesday afternoon described the report alleging that NNPC Limited imported over 200 million litres of PMS in February 2025 as “completely false, baseless, and a reckless misrepresentation of facts. It is either the result of lazy and unprofessional journalism or a deliberate, sponsored attempt by economic saboteurs to mislead the public.”
Setting the record straight, Soneye averred that the “NNPC Limited has not imported a single litre of PMS in 2025. We do not control the import activities of private marketers, nor do we issue import licenses. Attributing all PMS imports to NNPC is not just misleading—it is outright deceptive and irresponsible journalism that ignores basic fact-checking principles.”
He stated that while NNPC Limited has not imported PMS in 2025, it should be clear that there is no legal restriction preventing it from doing so if necessary. He added that: “as Nigeria’s foremost energy company, we have a duty to ensure energy security. Should any supply shortages arise, NNPC Limited retains the full right and responsibility to step in and import to stabilize the market.”
He, however, has a word of caution and a warning, too, for those who have elected to peddle fake news as their favourite past time. “Misinformation of this magnitude does a grave disservice to the public, distorts market realities, and misleads key stakeholders. NNPC Limited will not tolerate the spread of false and malicious reports aimed at undermining its reputation. We will take all necessary legal measures to hold accountable those responsible for fabricating and disseminating falsehoods about our operations.
“We strongly urge media organizations to uphold journalistic integrity by verifying facts before publishing misleading narratives. NNPC Limited remains committed to transparency and will not be swayed by attempts to manipulate public perception,” he warned.
The implications of this kind of misinformation are profound. Consumers rely on accurate information to make informed choices about the products they purchase. When a corporate citizen like Dangote Refinery disseminates false narratives, it not only jeopardizes the reputation of its competitors but also erodes the trust that consumers place in the industry as a whole. The oil and gas sector is already fraught with challenges, including fluctuating prices, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory scrutiny. The last thing it needs is the added burden of fake news, which can distort market dynamics and lead to misguided consumer behavior.
This email uncovered by an investigative journalist, revealing a request sent to a newspaper editor imploring him to publish a fabricated story about NNPCL allegedly importing 200 million liters of fuel despite ongoing refinery overhauls is not just a blatant attempt to manipulate media narratives but it is completely unethical and unacceptable practice. It is a direct assault on journalistic integrity. The media plays a crucial role in holding corporate bodies accountable and providing the public with accurate information. When corporate entities attempt to co-opt the media for their own ends, they undermine the very foundation of a democratic society.
The motivations behind such actions are clear. In a fiercely competitive market, companies often resort to desperate measures to maintain or enhance their market position. However, the long-term consequences of peddling fake news can be detrimental. While it may yield short-term gains, the erosion of trust can lead to lasting damage to a brand’s reputation. Consumers are increasingly discerning; they value authenticity and transparency. When they discover that a company has engaged in deceitful practices, they are likely to take their business elsewhere.
Moreover, the ripple effects of fake news extend beyond the immediate competitors. The entire industry suffers when misinformation takes root. Stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and consumers, become wary of the sector as a whole. In an industry as vital as oil and gas, where public trust is paramount, the stakes are simply too high for corporate bodies like Dangote Refinery to engage in such reckless behavior.
It is imperative, therefore, for Dangote Refinery to recognize the gravity of its actions and take immediate steps to rectify the situation. A commitment to ethical business practices should be at the forefront of any corporate strategy. This includes refraining from spreading false information about competitors and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Instead of resorting to underhanded tactics, companies should focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction as the cornerstones of their competitive strategy.
Furthermore, the media must also play its part in combating the spread of fake news. Journalists and editors should exercise due diligence in verifying the information they publish, especially when it comes to corporate claims. The responsibility to uphold journalistic integrity is paramount, and media outlets must resist the temptation to publish sensational stories that lack credible evidence. By prioritizing accuracy over sensationalism, the media can help restore public trust in both the industry and the information it disseminates.
The recent actions of Dangote Refinery serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of peddling fake news in corporate competition. As corporate citizens, companies have a responsibility to uphold ethical standards and contribute positively to public discourse. The oil and gas sector, like any other industry, thrives on trust and integrity. It is time for Dangote Refinery to cease its dissemination of false narratives and embrace a more honorable approach to competition. The future of the industry—and the trust of consumers—depends on it.