Nigerian CSO Dismisses Calls for NNPC CEO's Resignation Over Security Spending

Nigeria Citizens’ Watch for Good Governance (NCWGG), a Civil Society Organisation, has strongly refuted calls for the resignation of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) Group CEO, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari. The CSO dismissed the allegations of opaque security spending as unfounded and lacking basis in fact.

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The call for Engr. Ojulari’s resignation is baseless. The security expenditure in question relates to measures aimed at protecting critical oil infrastructure, curbing crude oil theft and safeguarding national assets. It is neither a single contract nor an attempt to conceal public funds.

Addressing reporters in Abuja, NCWGG National Chairman Collins Idowu Eshiofeh stated that the criticisms ignore publicly available records and the operational realities of securing Nigeria’s vital oil and gas infrastructure. He clarified that expenditures classified under energy security and pipeline protection in the NNPC's 2024 financial records are not undisclosed expenses but necessary measures to safeguard national assets, curb crude oil theft, and enhance production.

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Anyone who examines the company’s audited accounts and publicly released reports will see evidence of greater transparency and accountability. These documents are available for public scrutiny and reflect compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework.

Eshiofeh argued that investments in security have directly contributed to improved crude oil production, stronger operational performance, and increased revenue generation for the nation. He pointed to NNPC Ltd's publication of audited financial statements and regular operational reports as evidence of enhanced corporate transparency and accountability, available for public scrutiny. The NCWGG chairman urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard the resignation demands and continue supporting the ongoing reforms within the petroleum sector, emphasizing that public discourse should be grounded in verifiable facts rather than speculation.

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We believe the focus should remain on strengthening reforms and allowing ongoing oversight processes to run their course. Public debate should be guided by facts and verifiable information rather than speculation.