Publish full breakdown of N17.5tn spent on energy security — ADC tells Tinubu

By Precious Mark

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration publish the full breakdown of the N17.5trn spent on energy security and pipeline surveillance as reflected in the 2024 audited financial statements of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).

In a statement signed on Tuesday by its National Spokesperson, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party expressed concern over the rise in expenditure under the energy security line item under the current administration.

The party noted that while Nigerians previously questioned a pipeline surveillance contract worth N48bn, the latest NNPC audited accounts showed that N7.13tn was recorded for Energy Security in 2024 alone.

It added that when combined with other fuel-related expenses and receivables, the total amount reached approximately N17.5tn.

“The figures raise questions that cannot be ignored by the Tinubu-led APC government,” the statement read.

“Nigerians deserve to know what accounts for such an extraordinary escalation and, more importantly, what value the country has received in return, the ADC said.

While acknowledging the necessity of protecting critical oil and gas assets, the party insisted that spending under the guise of security must remain open to public accountability.

The ADC also raised concerns regarding potential political patronage, pointing to public reports linking major surveillance contracts to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a firm associated with Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), whom it described as a prominent mobiliser for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

“These are facts that make transparency even more imperative.”

“Nigerians are entitled to ask whether public funds appropriated for pipeline security are being used solely to protect critical national assets, or whether the lines between state expenditure and political mobilisation have become blurred,” the statement read in part.

The party consequently called on the Federal Government and NNPC management to disclose the exact amounts spent on pipeline surveillance since May 2023, the identities of all beneficiaries, deliverables achieved, and details of any independent value-for-money assessments conducted.

Comparing the expenditure with the prevailing economic conditions in the country, the ADC argued that citizens have a right to know if the multi-trillion naira outlay has translated into improved security or economic relief.

“At a time when families are struggling with the cost of food, transport and electricity, when businesses are closing their doors and young people cannot find jobs, Nigerians have a right to ask whether the trillions of Naira spent in the name of energy security have made the country more secure, the economy more productive, or the lives of ordinary citizens any better.”

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

The ADC further urged President Tinubu, the Board and Management of NNPC Ltd, and relevant committees of the National Assembly to immediately lay the full details of the energy security expenditure before the public.