The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to explain what it described as a sharp increase in spending on pipeline surveillance and energy security, following the release of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) audited financial statements for 2024.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party expressed concern over figures contained in the report, arguing that they raise questions about transparency, accountability and value for money at a time many Nigerians are facing economic hardship.
According to the ADC, while pipeline surveillance contracts previously attracted public attention over an estimated ₦48 billion expenditure, the latest audited accounts show that NNPC recorded about ₦7.13 trillion under “Energy Security” for the 2024 financial year. The party further claimed that when other fuel-related costs and receivables are included, the total amount rises to approximately ₦17.5 trillion.
The party said Nigerians deserve a clear explanation for the significant increase in expenditure and the benefits derived from the spending.
While acknowledging that securing Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure is a legitimate national priority, the ADC maintained that expenditures made under the guise of national security should remain subject to public scrutiny.
The opposition party also referred to public reports linking Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a company associated with former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, to major pipeline surveillance contracts. It argued that recent political developments have made transparency on the contracts even more necessary.
The ADC questioned whether public funds allocated for pipeline security were being used solely to safeguard critical national assets or whether there was any overlap between government expenditure and political activities.
Consequently, the party demanded a comprehensive breakdown of all funds spent on pipeline surveillance and energy security since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.
It urged the Federal Government to disclose the contractors awarded the surveillance contracts, the amounts paid to each contractor, the specific outcomes achieved, and whether any independent value-for-money assessment had been conducted.
The party further argued that such huge expenditures should translate into tangible improvements in national security, economic productivity and the welfare of Nigerians, especially amid rising living costs, unemployment and business closures.
ADC called on President Tinubu, the Board and Management of NNPC Ltd., as well as the relevant committees of the National Assembly, to publish a detailed account of the energy security expenditure.
According to the party, the key issue is not only the amount spent but also the measurable impact of the spending on the country’s economy and security.
