Presidency Opens Up on Claims That a Member of Tinubu’s Economic Council Is Behind Petrol Imports from Malta

Presidency Denies Allegations Against Economic Council Member Aliu, Clarifies Role in Petrol Imports.

The presidency has refuted claims that Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, a member of President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Coordination Council, is one of Malta’s largest importers of petrol.

The allegations stemmed from a report linking Aliu to the importation of petrol from Malta, which was discharged at the Matrix jetty in Koko, Delta State, in July 2024.

The controversy began after Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, accused Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) officials, oil traders, and terminals of establishing a blending plant in Malta. However, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, denied any involvement in the Malta plant.

In response to the accusations, Aliu denied any misconduct in his business dealings and promised a full response. An insider had shared documents with The Cable, suggesting over 200,000 tonnes of petrol from Malta had been imported.

Reacting to the situation, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, defended Aliu’s integrity, emphasizing his long-standing career in the petrol business, which spans over 20 years.

Ajayi dismissed the accusations as baseless, stating that Aliu’s role in the downstream sector has no connection to his membership in the Economic Council.

Ajayi’s statement reads, “Matrix is an active player in the downstream sector, with operations predating the current administration. The company runs over 150 retail stations across the country and possesses one of Nigeria’s largest independent product storage facilities. Accusations of importing bad fuel are without merit and seem to be an attempt to create unnecessary controversy.”

Ajayi also highlighted the prominence of the members of President Tinubu’s Economic Council, noting that they were selected from key leaders in critical sectors of the economy, including Aliko Dangote, Segun Agbaje, and Tony Elumelu.

The presidency’s clarification aims to dispel any notion that Aliu’s business practices are linked to his role in President Tinubu’s administration.