Atiku Demands Breakdown of N11.2trn FG Debt to NNPC

By Adedapo Adesanya

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Atiku Abubakar, has demanded a full breakdown of the N11.2 trillion reportedly owed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited by the federal government.

Mr Abubakar, through the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Phrank Shaibu, also demanded disclosure of payments made to government contractors and any financial or material support they may have provided for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

He said NNPC’s 2025 accounts showed approximately N11.2 trillion in other receivables from the federation, following about N17.5 trillion recorded in its 2024 accounts across various claims, including petrol under-recovery, advances and asset protection.

The former Vice President asked the government to disclose how much of the N11.2 trillion was spent on pipeline surveillance, who received the payments and what services were delivered.

He also questioned the relationship between contractors and the President’s re-election campaign, citing Tantita’s pipeline security contract and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract awarded to a company linked to the Chagoury family.

The former vice president called for the disclosure of payments made to the contractors and any naira, vehicles or other support they may have provided to President Tinubu’s re-election effort.

He further contrasted the N11.2 trillion in NNPC’s other receivables with the approximately N3.1 trillion allocated to the Ministry of Defence in 2025, saying the figures raised questions about government spending priorities.

The politician also criticised President Tinubu’s comments after returning from a four-week stay in Europe, which the Presidency described as a working vacation, saying the remarks were disconnected from the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.