Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu's administration to disclose details of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited's (NNPC) ₦11.2 trillion receivables from the Federation. This includes expenditure on pipeline security and payments to contractors. Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, made this call in a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
Atiku's demand for a probe comes as NNPC's 2024 accounts recorded roughly ₦17.5 trillion across different claims on the Federation, including petrol under-recovery and other receivables linked to advances and asset protection. However, its 2025 accounts show approximately ₦11.2 trillion in other receivables from the Federation. Atiku questioned how much of the amount was spent on pipeline surveillance, the beneficiaries of the payments, and the results achieved.
The former vice-president said the figures did not clearly establish the amounts spent specifically on pipeline protection, urging the government to provide a breakdown of the expenditure. He compared the ₦11.2 trillion in receivables with the approximately ₦3.1 trillion allocated to the Ministry of Defence in 2025. Atiku argued that Nigerians deserved greater transparency in public spending on security.
Atiku also called for disclosure of the contractual arrangements involving companies engaged in major infrastructure and pipeline security projects. He specifically questioned the pipeline surveillance contract held by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract awarded to a company linked to the Chagoury family.
The ADC presidential candidate urged the government to publish relevant contract documents, bidding procedures, evaluation records, and payment details to enable Nigerians to scrutinise the awards. He also called for disclosure of any financial or material support provided by government contractors to Tinubu's re-election activities.
Atiku alleged that potential links between public contracts and political financing required clarification. He criticised the administration's economic policies and called for measures to reduce the cost of living, improve electricity supply, and strengthen public safety. Atiku also faulted Tinubu's recent remarks about enjoying his stay in Europe, arguing that the comments did not reflect the difficulties confronting many Nigerians.
The former vice-president said his administration, if elected in 2027, would prioritise making living costs more affordable. The Presidency and the companies mentioned were not represented in the statement, and the allegations concerning contract awards and possible campaign financing were not independently established.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands probe into NNPC's ₦11.2 trillion receivables and pipeline contracts.
- NNPC's 2025 accounts show approximately ₦11.2 trillion in other receivables from the Federation.
- Atiku calls for transparency in public spending on security and disclosure of contractual arrangements.
