Ex-VP Atiku Demands Independent Probe Of N17.5tn For Pipeline Security

Ex-VP Atiku demands independent probe of N17.5tn for pipeline security. Former vice president Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent forensic audit of N17.5 trillion for the securing fuel pipelines and other related issues.

The former vice president, who described the figure as one of the most brazen financial scandals in the nation’s history, also called on the federal government to publish the full list of companies awarded these contracts.

Atiku, in a statement, also said the scope, deliverables, and duration of each contract should be disclosed just as further disbursement must be halted until accountability is established. He also charged the governor to explain to Nigerians how this expenditure aligns with national priorities at a time of unprecedented economic strangulation.

The former vice president was reacting to a report that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) spent N17.5 trillion in just 12 months on “securing fuel pipelines and others.”

Reacting, the former vice president, while questioning the figure, said Nigeria spent roughly N18 trillion on fuel subsidy over a period of 12 years in a national programme that directly cushioned millions of Nigerians, stabilised the transport sector, and helped keep food prices manageable.

He however said under President Bola Tinubu, the country has now expended nearly the same amount in a single year on the same subsidy and opaque pipeline security contracts awarded to private firms tied to associates and cronies of the President.

Likening the president’s action to robbing Peter (Nigerians) to pay Paul (cronies), Atiku noted that it is not governance but a grand larceny dressed as public expenditure. “The Tinubu administration justified the removal of fuel subsidy by claiming the country could no longer afford it. Nigerians were told to tighten their belts, endure hardship, and “make sacrifices.”

“However, the same administration has now channelled ₦17.5 trillion — an amount that could transform Nigeria’s power sector, rebuild our refineries, or fund universal healthcare — into opaque security contracts whose beneficiaries are conveniently linked to those in power.

“In some places in the country, a litre of PMS goes for over N1,000 and the justification for this by the Tinubu administration is the wholesome removal of subsidy, yet according to the records provided by the NNPCL, this same administration has spentN7.13tn on what it calls, “energy-security cost to keep petrol prices stable”; another N8.67tn on what it calls “under-recovery.”

These two balablu nomenclatures: energy-cost and under-recovery are a new coinage of the Tinubu administration to deceive Nigerians on the government’s fraudulent claim that it was no longer paying subsidies on petroleum products.”

He further raised some posers for the Tinubu administration: “Who are the companies paid under these contracts? “What specifically justifies a 38.7 percent rise in the amount of energy-cost from N6.25tn in 2024 to N8.67tn in 2025?

“Why is pipeline security now more expensive than a decade-long subsidy that served over 200 million Nigerians? “Where are the audit reports, parliamentary oversight findings, and cost-validation documents?”

The former vice president said no administration that presides over this level of fiscal recklessness has the moral authority to demand sacrifice from its people.
He added that the Nigerian public cannot continue to suffer crushing inflation, punitive fuel prices, an unending collapse of the naira, and widespread hunger — only for a select circle of political allies to pocket trillions under the guise of “pipeline security.”

“This scandal confirms what Nigerians already know: the Tinubu administration did not end subsidy — it merely redirected public wealth from the entire nation to a privileged cartel anchored around the Presidency. “The government must, without delay: Publish the full list of companies awarded these contracts;
“Disclose the scope, deliverables, and duration of each contract.

Atiku

“Subject the entire ₦17.5 trillion expenditure to an independent forensic audit; Halt further disbursement until accountability is established. “Explain to Nigerians how this expenditure aligns with national priorities at a time of unprecedented economic strangulation.”

He said Nigerians deserve transparency, not deceit, adding that leadership isn’t about cronyism. He stressed that Nigerians deserve a government that places national interest above private enrichment.

“This ₦17.5 trillion pipeline-security expenditure is not merely a financial anomaly — it is a moral indictment on the Tinubu administration and a clarion call for full accountability,” he said.

Army Chief Pledges Support For Wounded-In-Action Soldiers

Army chief pledges support for wounded-in-action soldiers. The chief of army staff, Waidi Shaibu, on Sunday assured wounded-in-action soldiers of the best medical care.

The chief of army staff, Waidi Shaibu, on Sunday assured wounded-in-action soldiers of the best medical care, saying that their sacrifices to the nation would never be in vain.

The chief of administration at the army headquarters, Isah Abdullahi, delivered Mr Shaibu’s message to the wounded-in-action soldiers during a working visit to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

Mr Abdullahi said, “This visit serves as an assessment to evaluate the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, regarded as a flagship facility of the Nigerian Army.
“Last week, upon his assumption of duty, I visited this hospital to assess its operations and, most importantly, to meet with the wounded-in-action soldiers from our ongoing operations.

“Following that visit, I was directed as the chief of administration to follow up and evaluate the conditions of these soldiers and identify the challenges the hospital faces, aiming to address those issues for the improvement of the facility.”

He added, “During my visit, I interacted with the wounded-in-action soldiers and conducted a tour of the facility. It’s evident that this hospital has undergone a significant transformation, representing a complete paradigm shift from its previous state.”

According to him, the hospital had served not only military personnel but also civilians from Kaduna and beyond, making it a true centre of excellence in medical care.

Army

“Much has improved here, and we hope this visit will contribute further to the progressive development of the facility.
“Our goal is to ensure that the hospital continues to play a critical role in meeting the health needs of both military personnel and civilians,” Mr Abdullahi explained.

He reminded the wounded-in-action soldiers that their sacrifices for the nation were deeply appreciated, adding that the military authorities were committed to ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain.

“We will do everything possible to guarantee that they receive the best medical care, with the intention of returning them to their duty posts as swiftly as possible,” Mr Abdullahi said.

Jigawa: 9,600 Teachers Register For Special Training

Jigawa: 9,600 teachers register for special training. No fewer than 9,600 teachers under the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) registered for a competency test to determine the specific training required to improve their skills and enhance teaching outcomes in the state.

The Executive Chairman of the Board, Professor Haruna Musa, revealed this while briefing journalists on the purpose of the examination, adding that 12,000 teachers were expected to register for the exam.

He explained that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, was committed to repositioning the state education sector as a key foundation for sustainable development, in line with its “12-Point Agenda.”

Prof. Haruna noted that while the government has been spending significant resources to improve educational infrastructure, meaningful learning improvements cannot be achieved without also enhancing the capabilities of teachers.

“Based on that, the State Executive Council approved for the board to organise a competency test for all teachers. This will enable us to understand the kind of training each teacher requires to improve his or her skills”.

“Out of the 9,600 teachers registered for the exam, over 70% have never attended any capacity-building training since they were employed, including some with over 15 years of service,” the Chairman added.

Teachers Register For Special Training

He stated that after the exam, the teachers will be categorised into three groups: Group A, those with both knowledge and teaching skills; Group B, those with knowledge but lacking teaching skills; and Group C, those lacking both knowledge and teaching skills.

“Each group will be offered specialised training. Those in Group C will undergo intensive training and subsequent examinations for a period to ensure they are equipped with the required knowledge and skills”.
“For those with slower learning uptake, we will attach them to competent teachers within their schools for ongoing guidance and mentorship,” Prof Haruna said.

He further stated that the project is not about retrenchment, but his primary goal is to enhance teachers’ capacity for better learning outcomes within the state’s basic education sector.