By Kaosarah Atolagbe

Saipem Contracting Nigeria Ltd, has stated that it was never at any time awarded the contract for the turn around maintenance of the Warri and Kaduna Refineries.

The firm made the clarification in response to a Freedom of Information, FoI, letter by human rights activist, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, seeking for details of the contract it got from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, for the rehabilitation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

The firm in its response letter dated September 12, 2024 and signed by its Managing Director, Poggi Michele said: “Please be informed that Saipem Spa, directly or through its affiliates, was not awarded any contract for the restoration of Warri and/or Kaduna refineries. We are therefore not in a position to answer your request, and we suggest you address it to the relevant person.”

The firm in the letter also cautioned Falana to refrain from disseminating false information which might harm its reputation in the eyes of the public.

It said: “It has been brought to our attention that you may have been referring to Saipem in certain public statements you have made. Saipem requires that you immediately refrain from making any references to the company and from disseminating or attempting to disseminate any false information which might harm Saipem’s reputation in the eyes of reasonable third parties who are dealing with the organisation.

“If you fail to comply with this request, Saipem will have no other alternative but to pursue all available legal remedies within its rights to protect its reputation and integrity.”