Malta Saga: Matrix Energy Seeks Court Protection Amid Accusations of Importing Substandard Petrol
An indigenous oil company, Matrix Energy Limited, has petitioned the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court to restrain two media outlets and other parties from further publishing what it deems defamatory articles concerning its oil shipping operations.
In its court filings, Matrix Energy and its CEO, Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, categorically denied allegations of colluding with “Nigeria’s economic enemies” to import adulterated, substandard, or low-quality petroleum products into the country. They argued that their products strictly adhere to regulatory standards, countering reports that linked the company to the importation of substandard petrol into Nigeria, particularly from Malta.
Malta Controversy
On August 17, 2024, Matrix Energy’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Akinola, issued a statement addressing the controversy. He refuted claims made by an online publication, which implicated the company in the importation of petrol from Malta. Akinola stated that these reports were not entirely accurate.
The controversy gained traction when Aliko Dangote, CEO of Dangote Refinery, alleged that certain oil operators were collaborating with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to operate an illegal blending plant in Malta. This plant, according to Dangote, was responsible for importing substandard petroleum products into Nigeria.
In response, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, denied any connection to a refinery in Malta, pledging to prosecute any NNPC personnel or other individuals involved in such activities.
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Notably, Nigeria’s petroleum imports from Malta surged significantly in 2023, reaching $2.8 billion. This sharp increase has raised concerns, especially considering that between 2017 and 2022, there were no imports, and in 2016, only $13.32 million worth of petroleum products were imported from Malta.
Matrix Energy, in its August 17 statement, reiterated its compliance with all regulatory guidelines and denied the discharge of 200,000 metric tons of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into its facilities in July 2024, as claimed by the media. However, the company did not explicitly deny importing petrol from Malta or other sources, asserting its right, like all Nigerian oil operators, to source products globally, provided it complies with Nigerian and international laws.
“Our Chief Executive Officer, Abdulkabir Adisa, is a talented and dedicated Nigerian with the right to associate freely as well as trade freely in any part of the world. 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 a ban is in place, we will continue to serve the public with the best quality products,” the company stated.
Matrix Heads to Court
Matrix Energy has now turned to the FCT High Court, seeking declaratory reliefs against certain media publications, including a retraction of the reports and over N10 billion in damages. The company’s legal representative, Ahmed Raji SAN, argued that the media organizations had “falsely and maliciously published” the contested reports against his clients.
Raji highlighted that his client is a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), a body tasked with developing sustainable strategies to enhance Nigeria’s economic governance framework. He urged the court to recognize the damage these reports could inflict on the company’s reputation and economic standing.
What You Should Know
The allegations against Matrix Energy come amid broader concerns over Nigeria’s trade relationship with Malta. Aliko Dangote had previously claimed that certain NNPC officials and oil traders were operating blending plants off Malta’s coast, a claim that NNPC’s GCEO, Mele Kyari, has vehemently denied.
Despite these denials, Nigeria’s imports of petroleum products from Malta saw an unprecedented rise in 2023, sparking concerns about the integrity of the trade practices involved. As Matrix Energy pursues legal action, the court will weigh the evidence presented, considering the critical role of the media in holding corporations accountable while protecting against unwarranted defamation.
The outcome of this case may set a significant precedent in the ongoing debate over media freedom and corporate responsibility in Nigeria’s oil industry.
