‘No wrong done’ — Matrix Energy speaks on importation of petrol from Malta

Matrix Energy has absolved Abdulkabir Aliu, the company’s founder, from any wrongdoing following a report by TheCable that the businessman is behind the importation of petroleum products from Malta and Russia.

On Friday, TheCable reported that one of the biggest petrol importers via Malta is Aliu, a member of the presidential economic coordination council (PECC).

BACKGROUND

Petroleum imports from Malta grabbed the headlines on July 22 when Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, alleged that some personnel of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, oil traders and terminals have opened a blending plant in Malta.

Following his allegation, Mele Kyari, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of NNPC, denied having an interest in any plant in Malta.

In 2023, Nigeria’s petroleum importation from Malta surged significantly to $2.08 billion, compared to zero between 2017 and 2022, and a mere $13.32 million in 2016.

Also, TheCable revealed that in July alone, over 200,000 tonnes of “lower quality African Spec” petrol from Malta were discharged into the Matrix jetty in Warri, Delta state, according to an insider who shared confidential documents with the publication.

“This represents about 25 percent of Nigeria’s monthly PMS consumption going to a relatively small player with only 150 retail stations,” the insider said.

Similarly, on June 16, about 15,000 tonnes of diesel — loaded on May 26 from Novorossiysk, Russia, and transported by a vessel, MT Kallos — were reportedly transloaded into the company’s vessel, Matrix Triumph, offshore Lome without corrections and discharged into Matrix jetty in Warri.

It is understood that the diesel from Russia is typically off-spec and is often corrected in places like Lome and Malta through blending with other components.

Off-spec is when a product does not meet the specifications or standards set for a petroleum product.

Also, Aliu was said to be leveraging his close relations with NNPC top management to secure crude oil cargoes from the national oil company for Matrix.

The crude allocations to Matrix are traded by Gulf Transport & Trading (GTT), a trading company registered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the insider.

The source said two of the three crude cargoes of the recently launched Utapate grade were allocated to GTT.

MATRIX DENIES IMPORTING OFF-SPEC PRODUCTS

In a statement on Saturday on the company’s website, Matrix said its imported products meet the approved specifications and no customer has rejected them.

“The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is the sole regulatory body empowered by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to issue import licenses and enforce the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) product specifications,” the company said.

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

“Our commitment to quality is reflected in the fact that none of our customers have ever rejected our products; indeed, demand for Matrix products often exceeds our capacity to supply, a testament to our reputation for reliability. This success is equally reflected in our fertilizer businesses.”

On July 20, while defending his company against the claim of selling substandard products, Dangote alleged that diesel obtained from Matrix Retail showed 2,653 parts per million (ppm) sulphur concentration, while that of TotalEnergies showed 1,829ppm, compared to his which was 87 ppm.

Low-sulphur diesel is below 500 ppm, and is considered cleaner for the environment; while high-sulphur diesel is used for off-road purposes because it causes progressive damage to the engine of machinery.

In Nigeria, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said 50 ppm sulphur concentration is required by law and adopted by the Economics Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 2020.

‘WE DIDN’T IMPORT 200K TONNES OF PETROL’

Addressing the allegation of importing 200,000 tonnes of petrol in July, Matrix said the company did not import such volumes even though it has the capacity and customer base.

“Our depots boast a storage capacity of 150 million litters of liquid products, including LPG and bitumen. 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,” the company said.

“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.”

MATRIX SAYS ALIU HAS RIGHT TO TRADE IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD

The company said Aliu has the right to trade freely in any part of the world.

“Our Chief Executive Officer, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu is a talented and dedicated Nigerian with the right to associate freely as well as trade freely in any part of the world,” Matrix said.

“Like 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 serve the public with best quality products.

“Those who know our CEO understands that he is far from lazy; rather, he is deeply committed to making a positive impact. His selection by Mr. President to serve as a member of the Economic Coordination Council is a recognition of his dedication to shared values and his commitment to the betterment of Nigeria in the Renewed Hope Agenda, for which he remains deeply grateful.”

‘CRUDE OBTAINED FROM NNPC THROUGH TENDER’

Matrix said the Utapate crude oil blend was obtained after winning a tender by NNPC.

“It is important to note that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) recently introduced its Utapate crude oil blend from OML 13. NNPC traditionally tenders its free crude cargoes, and any company that wins the tender is operating within the law,” Matrix said.

“Matrix Energy like other companies also won the tenders. As a people-oriented company that operates above board and in line with international best practices, we welcome constructive criticisms.”

On August 5, NNPC introduced the Utapate crude oil blend into the international market.