Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has berated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited over the ₦11.2tn it recorded as receivables from the Federal Government, demanding clarification on how much of the money was spent on protecting the country’s oil and gas assets.
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, amid concerns over insecurity, economic hardship and government spending.
The former vice president questioned the details behind the figure contained in NNPC’s 2025 accounts, particularly the portion linked to pipeline surveillance and asset protection.
Atiku Demands Details Of N11.2tn
According to Atiku, NNPC’s 2024 accounts recorded about ₦17.5tn in various claims on the Federation, including petrol under-recovery and other receivables linked to advances and asset protection.
He said the company’s 2025 accounts now showed approximately ₦11.2tn in other receivables from the Federation.
“Nigerians cannot tell from these totals what was spent on pipeline surveillance. What was paid? Who was paid? For what work? Where are the results?” Atiku asked.
He also compared the figure with the 2025 allocation to the Ministry of Defence, which he put at about ₦3.1tn.
Atiku argued that the comparison raised questions about the government’s spending priorities, particularly amid continued insecurity across parts of the country.
However, the ₦11.2tn figure is an accounting receivable rather than a simple statement that NNPC spent ₦11.2tn on pipeline security. NNPC’s financial statements separately account for expenses incurred on behalf of the Federation and amounts receivable from it.
Campaign Funding Questions Raised
Atiku also linked his concerns about government contractors to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
He specifically mentioned Tantita, which he said holds a pipeline security contract, and the company linked to the Chagoury family involved in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Atiku demanded the publication of contracts, payments and other relevant documents relating to government contractors.
He also asked the presidency to disclose whether contractors had provided financial or material support to Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
These claims and questions were made by Atiku and his campaign team; the statement did not establish that any contractor had illegally funded the president’s campaign.
Atiku Criticises Tinubu’s Economic Record
The ADC presidential candidate further criticised the Tinubu administration over the cost of living, insecurity, poor roads and electricity challenges.
He accused the government of asking Nigerians to endure hardship while describing its economic policies as progress.
“Atiku said a government asking hungry families to make sacrifices must be willing to account for every naira it claims on the public purse,” the statement said.
He also criticised President Tinubu’s remarks after returning from his extended stay in Europe, during which the President described his experience as enjoyable.
Atiku concluded by positioning the 2027 election as an opportunity for Nigerians to change the direction of the country.
The statement was signed by Phrank Shaibu on behalf of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council on October 4, 2026.
