Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Federal Government over reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) spent N17.5 trillion within one year on pipeline security, describing the development as unprecedented and alarming.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media office, Atiku said the revelation amounts to “one of the most blatant financial scandals in Nigeria’s history.”
He argued that the alleged expenditure nearly equals Nigeria’s 12-year fuel subsidy bill of N18 trillion, a programme that previously cushioned millions of citizens.
According to Atiku, the Tinubu-led administration has channelled an equivalent amount into opaque security contracts allegedly awarded to private firms linked to associates of the President.
“The action of the President is akin to robbing Peter (Nigerians) to pay Paul (cronies).
This is not governance; it is grand larceny disguised as public expenditure,” the statement read.
He questioned the justification for removing fuel subsidy when the administration has now reportedly diverted N17.5 trillion into “non-transparent” contracts—funds he said could have revitalised the power sector, rebuilt refineries, or established universal healthcare.
Atiku also described the arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore during a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu as “tyrannical” and “an open assault on democracy.”
He insisted that democratic governments must respect dissent and protect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.
The statement has continued to attract nationwide reactions, with increasing calls for transparency and accountability from the Federal Government.
