“From ₦48 Billion To ₦2.1 Trillion In Two Years — What Exactly Are Nigerians Paying For, And Who Is Guarding The National Treasury While Oil-Bearing Communities Cry For Development?” — Bekederemo Demands Answers From NNPCL, Tantita And Federal Government

By Passman Akpos

Dickson Bekederemo has called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and other pipeline surveillance contractors to explain the reported increase in the annual cost of securing Nigeria’s oil pipelines from ₦48 billion to ₦2.1 trillion.

Bekederemo said the reported figures, which he attributed to claims raised by former Niger Delta militant leader Alhaji Asari Dokubo, had raised serious questions about the financial management of pipeline surveillance contracts and the need for transparency in the expenditure of public funds.

He questioned what could justify such a significant increase within two years, demanding that the government and the companies involved publish documentary evidence explaining the reported change.

“Have our pipelines suddenly extended to Cameroon, Gabon, Angola or even Sudan? What has changed so dramatically to justify such an increase?” Bekederemo asked.

He argued that while protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure was essential to safeguarding national revenue, the responsibility should not shield contractors or government institutions from scrutiny over the amounts being spent.

₦48 Billion To ₦2.1 Trillion: What Changed?

The reported increase from ₦48 billion to ₦2.1 trillion represents a difference of approximately ₦2.052 trillion, with the latter figure being nearly 44 times the former.

However, the figures and the basis for the comparison require independent verification. It remains necessary to establish whether they refer to comparable contract periods, the same scope of work and the same categories of expenditure.

Bekederemo said the relevant authorities should clarify whether the reported increase resulted from an expansion of the surveillance programme, higher operational costs, additional responsibilities or other documented changes.

He insisted that Nigerians should not be expected to accept a financial commitment of such magnitude without access to the records supporting it.

According to him, the government must explain how the reported amount was calculated, what services the contractors are expected to provide and which authorities approved any revisions to the contracts.

Bekederemo Demands Publication Of Contract Documents

The Niger Delta advocate called for the publication of the original pipeline surveillance contract, subsequent amendments, revised terms of engagement, detailed cost breakdowns and the approvals authorising any increase in expenditure.

He maintained that public contracts involving substantial sums of money must be open to scrutiny, particularly when the expenditure could otherwise support critical sectors such as healthcare, education, electricity, road infrastructure and environmental remediation.

“Pipeline surveillance is important to protecting our oil revenue, but that responsibility does not remove the need for transparency. Every naira spent must be justified, and Nigerians deserve to know whether they are receiving value for their money,” he said.

Bekederemo urged the NNPCL and the Federal Government to provide a detailed explanation supported by verifiable records, rather than relying on assurances that do not address the financial questions being raised.

He also called on the National Assembly and other relevant oversight institutions to examine the reported figures and determine whether the expenditure followed due process.

EFCC Urged To Examine The Reported Figures

Bekederemo specifically called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to examine the transaction and investigate any credible evidence of fraud, inflated costs, corruption or the improper use of public funds.

He said any investigation should establish the facts before conclusions are drawn about the conduct of contractors, government officials or other individuals involved in the process.

He further maintained that anyone found to have committed an offence should be held accountable in accordance with the law, regardless of political connections or official position.

Bekederemo clarified that his concerns should not be interpreted as a declaration that any contractor or government official had committed a crime.

Rather, he said, his position was that the reported figures raised legitimate questions that deserved clear answers and, where warranted, an independent investigation.

Niger Delta Communities Deserve Accountability

The concerns also touch on broader demands for accountability in the Niger Delta, a region that has endured decades of oil exploration, environmental degradation and disputes over the distribution of petroleum wealth.

Bekederemo argued that communities bearing the environmental and economic consequences of oil production deserved greater transparency in the management of contracts connected to the region’s natural resources.

He said pipeline surveillance should contribute to reducing crude oil theft, protecting national revenue and improving security without undermining the public’s right to scrutinise expenditure.

For him, the issue extends beyond the companies awarded surveillance contracts to the institutions responsible for approving, supervising and evaluating their performance.

He called for greater disclosure of contract terms, measurable performance targets and evidence demonstrating that public expenditure was producing the intended results.

Can The Government Justify The Reported Increase?

The central question, Bekederemo maintained, is whether the reported increase from ₦48 billion to ₦2.1 trillion reflects genuine operational requirements and has received the necessary approvals.

He urged the Federal Government, NNPCL, Tantita and other relevant contractors to address the matter with documentary evidence.

If the increase is justified, he said, the authorities should explain the reasons and provide supporting records. If discrepancies or irregularities are established, the appropriate institutions should investigate and take lawful action.

The reported figures must also be independently verified, including the applicable contract periods, payment arrangements, scope of services and whether the amounts represent annual expenditure, contract values or another financial measure.

These details are necessary to determine whether the comparison accurately reflects an increase in the cost of pipeline surveillance.

As of the information contained in Bekederemo’s statement, no supporting contract documents or official explanations establishing the basis of the reported increase were provided. The claims therefore require further verification, and no conclusion about wrongdoing can be drawn from the figures alone.

Bekederemo maintained that the protection of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and the protection of public funds should go hand in hand.

“Our oil must be protected from theft, but our national treasury must also be protected from waste and financial misconduct. Public money belongs to the Nigerian people, not to politicians, contractors or government officials,” he said.

He concluded that the government and the relevant contractors should provide Nigerians with a clear, evidence-based explanation of the reported expenditure.

For a country heavily dependent on petroleum revenue, the questions surrounding the cost of pipeline surveillance are significant. The answers, Bekederemo argued, should be found in verifiable records, transparent procurement processes and effective public oversight.