Experts Demand Breakdown of N11.2tn NNPCL Pipeline Security Spending

Energy experts have called for greater transparency over the ₦11.2 trillion reported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited as spending related to pipeline surveillance and the security of Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.

The figure is contained in NNPCL’s 2025 audited financial statement, which also showed that the company recorded a profit after tax of ₦7.2 trillion, compared with ₦5.4 trillion in 2024.

Energy economist Professor Wumi Iledare said the key issue should be the value Nigeria received from the expenditure and whether the amount was justified.

He questioned the benefits generated from the spending, particularly amid the country’s continuing challenges with pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and the protection of critical oil infrastructure.

Oil and gas consultant Chuks Emeka, however, cautioned against interpreting the entire ₦11.2 trillion as fresh cash spent solely on pipeline security.

According to Emeka, the financial accounts describe the figure as receivables from the Federation, including advances and costs incurred on behalf of the government.

He nevertheless called for a detailed breakdown of the expenditure, including how the funds were spent, who received the money and what measurable results were achieved.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also called for greater scrutiny of the reported expenditure.

The questions surrounding the figure come as Nigeria continues efforts to protect its oil infrastructure, increase crude production and reduce pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

The experts’ calls for greater disclosure are expected to intensify scrutiny of NNPCL’s financial accounts and the government’s wider spending on securing the country’s oil and gas assets.