MONROVIA – The National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) has strongly refuted allegations that it purchased vehicles for its vice presidents at an inflated cost, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The controversy follows an ongoing investigation into the institution’s alleged US$75,000 corruption scandal. Reports circulating on social media suggested that NOCAL had acquired vehicles for its vice presidents at a cost of US$55,000 each, exceeding the government’s approved threshold of US$45,000. However, the company has denied these assertions, calling them misinformation designed to mislead the public.
In an official statement issued on February 16, 2025, NOCAL clarified that the KIA Seltos Model vehicles assigned to its vice presidents were purchased at US$32,500 each, well below the national spending limit. The company further noted that this information could be independently verified with the authorized KIA dealership in Monrovia, located at 18th Street and Tubman Boulevard.
“At no time did NOCAL pay US$55,000 for a single vehicle for any vice president,” the statement emphasized.
NOCAL also pushed back against claims that the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) had confirmed the involvement of its vice presidents in financial mismanagement. The company stated that the LACC investigation is still ongoing and that no official conclusions have been drawn regarding the involvement of any individuals.
“The assertion that all vice presidents of NOCAL are implicated in financial mismanagement is not only misleading but factually incorrect,” the statement read. “To suggest otherwise is premature and unfounded.”
The company urged both the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified information that could harm its reputation and the credibility of individuals within the institution. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring it would continue cooperating fully with the LACC’s investigation.
NOCAL further cautioned the public against falling for misinformation, which it suggested was being deliberately spread to create unnecessary distrust.
The allegations come at a time when public scrutiny over government spending and corruption remains high, particularly in state-owned enterprises like NOCAL. As the LACC probe continues, the company maintains that it has complied with national regulations and has nothing to hide.
