The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that customers were being forced to buy lubricants or engine oil before purchasing premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, at its retail filling stations. The corporation’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, clarified the situation, stating that the practice does not align with their Customer Service Charter.
The controversy stemmed from a video clip shared on social media showing a fuel pump attendant at an NNPC filling station allegedly coercing customers to buy lubricants or engine oil before purchasing petrol. The attendant purported that this was a directive from NNPC Retail management. However, NNPC Retail Limited has refuted these claims, emphasizing that customers are not required to purchase lubricants, engine oil, or any other products as a condition for buying petrol.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, addressed the situation, stating, “The attention of NNPC Retail Limited has been drawn to a recent video clip circulating on social media, concerning a fuel pump attendant at one of our filling stations. In the said video, customers were allegedly coerced to purchase lubricants or engine oil as a prerequisite for purchasing or dispensing PMS.”
Soneye declared that such practices do not align with the company’s Customer Service Charter and reiterated that customers should not be subjected to purchasing additional products in order to buy petrol. This swift response aims to reassure the public and customers that NNPC’s retail filling stations adhere to ethical business practices and do not engage in such forms of coercion.
Furthermore, the statement underscores the corporation’s commitment to upholding transparency, integrity, and fairness in its operations. As the investigations into the incident commence, NNPC has made it clear that any employee found to be in violation of the established standards will face appropriate disciplinary measures.
This development underscores the importance of social media in holding corporations accountable for their service delivery. It also highlights the critical role of swift corporate communication in addressing and rectifying misconceptions and false information that may circulate in the public domain.
In conclusion, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has vehemently refuted the allegations of coercing customers to buy lubricants or engine oil before purchasing petrol at its retail filling stations. The corporation remains committed to ensuring that its customer service standards align with the highest ethical and professional conduct.
