Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to open the books of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Atiku specifically demanded the disclosure of ₦11.2 trillion recorded as receivables from the Federation. This move aims to ensure transparency in the management of public funds associated with protecting oil and gas infrastructure.
According to Atiku, NNPCL's 2024 accounts contained about ₦17.5 trillion in various claims on the Federation, including petrol under-recovery and other receivables linked to advances and asset protection. In its 2025 accounts, approximately ₦11.2 trillion was recorded in other receivables from the Federation. These figures have raised questions about the extent to which public funds are being deployed to protect critical oil infrastructure.
Atiku also questioned who received the funds, what services were rendered, and what measurable results were achieved in protecting the country's pipelines. He emphasized that Nigerians deserve a detailed account of how public funds are spent, especially at a time when the country faces insecurity on highways, in communities, and around schools.
The ADC candidate compared the NNPC receivables figure with the 2025 allocation to the Ministry of Defence, which stands at about ₦3.1 trillion. Although the figures represent different accounting categories, Atiku argued that the disparity warrants greater public scrutiny of government expenditure and priorities.
Atiku further linked the issue to the relationship between government contractors and Tinubu's re-election campaign. He cited Tantita Security Services and its founder, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, in relation to pipeline surveillance contracts and alleged campaign support for the President.
Atiku also raised questions over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract involving companies associated with the Chagoury family. He demanded that the Federal Government publish the procurement documents and details of the award. Atiku challenged the administration to disclose how much contractors mentioned in the controversy had received from government and whether they had provided any financial, logistical, or other support to Tinubu's re-election campaign.
The former vice president argued that the demand for transparency is particularly important against the backdrop of economic hardship and insecurity facing Nigerians. He promised a different economic direction if elected in 2027, adding that Nigerians have had enough of hardship dressed up as reform.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands disclosure of NNPC's ₦11.2 trillion receivables and contract details.
- The ADC candidate questions the relationship between government contractors and Tinubu's re-election campaign.
- Atiku promises a different economic direction if elected in 2027.
