Matrix Energy Group, a wholly indigenous and independent oil marketing and trading company, has refuted claims that it has been involved in the importation and distribution of substandard products in Nigeria.
The company said that contrary to the allegations in some quarters that it discharged 200,000 metric tons of doubtful quality petrol into its facility in July 2024, this is far from the truth as it has never imported or distributed any substandard cargo in its two decades of operation.
Ibrahim Akinola of the Corporation Communications Unit, Matrix Energy Group, who made the clarification in a statement released on Saturday, said the company’s quality test has never been in doubt by the regulators, its partners and customers across the country.
“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. 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.
“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 Energy like other companies also won the tenders,” he said.
Akinloa said that as a people oriented company that operates above board and in line with international best practices, Matrix Energy Group welcomes constructive criticisms, but will not allow any one to smear its hard earned reputation. He said that the company Is not aware that Nigerian companies have been banned from bringing in legitimate and standard products from outside the country and until such is done, Matrix Energy will continue to serve the public with best quality products.