Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to provide a detailed breakdown of the N11.2 trillion recorded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as receivables from the Federation for advances and costs, including protection of oil and gas assets. Atiku, who is also the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, stated that Nigerians deserve clarity on how much of the sum was spent on pipeline surveillance, the beneficiaries, and the results achieved.
According to Atiku, NNPCL's 2024 financials captured about N17.5 trillion across various claims on the Federation, including petrol under-recovery and other receivables tied to advances and asset protection. However, its 2025 accounts now show about N11.2 trillion as other receivables. Atiku noted that the figures do not show what was actually spent on pipeline protection, raising concerns about government priorities and accountability.
Atiku compared the NNPCL claim with the defence allocation, saying the contrast raises questions about government priorities. In 2025, the Ministry of Defence received about N3.1 trillion, while NNPC recorded N11.2 trillion in other receivables from the Federation — more than three times the defence allocation. Atiku described the imbalance as indefensible, stating that under President Bola Tinubu, sums tied to the oil sector dwarf the resources allocated to defend the country.
Atiku also linked the issue to the relationship between government contractors and President Tinubu's re-election bid. He mentioned that Tantita holds a pipeline security contract while its founder sends campaign vehicles out to seek another term for the President. Atiku questioned the transparency of the contract award process, saying that Nigerians deserve to know the details of the contracts and the support given to the President's campaign.
Atiku faulted President Tinubu's recent remarks after his four-week trip to Europe, which the Presidency described as a working vacation. The President was quoted as saying "I enjoyed myself. Fantastic," and when asked about his health, "Ready to kick, ready to walk." Atiku described the comments as tone-deaf, given the current economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.
Atiku emphasized that families affected by insecurity deserve accountability beyond lump sums in accounts. He said that Nigerians cannot tell from the NNPCL's totals what was spent on pipeline surveillance, who was paid, for what work, and where are the results. Atiku stressed that the government owes citizens explanations on security spending priorities, adding that a government asking citizens to sacrifice must account for every naira.
Atiku concluded that Nigerians have had enough of hardship dressed up as reform and promised to make Nigeria affordable again if elected in 2027. He stated that Tinubu made life expensive and that his administration will bring this chapter to an end.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar seeks transparency in NNPC's N11.2 trillion claims on Federation.
- Atiku questions government priorities, citing contrast between NNPC claims and defence allocation.
- Atiku links NNPC contracts to President Tinubu's re-election bid, demanding transparency.
