ADC Questions Tinubu Over N17.5tn Spent on ‘Energy Security’

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded an explanation from the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) over what it described as trillions of naira spent on energy security.

The opposition party said Nigerians deserve to know how public funds allocated to protect critical oil infrastructure have been utilized, especially at a time when citizens are facing economic hardship and rising living costs.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the demand was contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, following the release of NNPC Ltd.’s audited financial accounts for the 2024 financial year.

According to the party, figures contained in the audited report showed that NNPC recorded N7.13 trillion under the category of “Energy Security” in 2024.

The ADC noted that when other fuel-related costs and receivables reflected in the financial statements are added, the total amount linked to energy security obligations rises to about N17.5 trillion.

The party said the scale of the expenditure has triggered concerns and requires immediate clarification from the relevant authorities.

“Only a few years ago, Nigerians debated a pipeline surveillance contract worth about N48 billion. Today, the audited accounts record N7.13 trillion under ‘Energy Security’ for 2024. When other fuel-related costs and receivables reflected in the accounts are taken into consideration, the amount rises to about N17.5 trillion,” Abdullahi stated.

The ADC acknowledged that protecting oil and gas assets remains important to national economic stability.

However, it argued that expenditures made in the name of security should not be exempt from accountability and public oversight.

“The bigger the bill, the stronger the obligation to explain it,” Abdullahi said.

The party further pointed to reports that pipeline surveillance contracts have been awarded to private security firms engaged in protecting oil facilities and preventing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

It specifically referenced Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a company linked to former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

According to the ADC, the growing public interest surrounding the contracts makes transparency even more necessary.

The party noted that questions are being asked about the management of public funds allocated for pipeline protection and whether the huge expenditure has translated into measurable improvements in oil production, reduction in crude theft and increased government revenue.

ADC argued that Nigerians have a right to know the beneficiaries of the contracts, the amounts paid, the duration of the agreements and the results achieved since the current administration came into office in May 2023.

“In this regard, Nigerians are entitled to know how much has been spent on pipeline surveillance and energy security since President Bola Tinubu came into office in May 2023, who received the contracts, how much was paid, what results were achieved, and whether any independent value-for-money assessment was carried out,” the statement added.

The opposition party maintained that public accountability becomes even more important when government spending involves trillions of naira.

It stressed that citizens who bear the burden of economic reforms and rising costs deserve clear information on how national resources are being utilized.

According to the ADC, the demand for disclosure is coming at a time when many households are struggling with high food prices, increasing transportation costs, electricity tariff adjustments and unemployment concerns.

The party therefore called on President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of NNPC Ltd. and the relevant committees of the National Assembly to make public the full details of all energy security expenditures and pipeline surveillance contracts awarded under the present administration.

It said such disclosure would help strengthen public confidence and demonstrate that funds allocated for critical national assignments are being properly managed.

“The question is no longer how much was spent. The question is what Nigeria has to show for it,” the party stated.