TD A social media influencer, identified as “Nefertiti“, has called on residents of the Niger Delta to support Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 election, following allegations by Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo over lucrative pipeline surveillance contracts in the region.
In a post addressed to residents of the Niger Delta, Nefertiti alleged that the region had been “shortchanged” through the allocation of billions of naira in oil-pipeline surveillance contracts to a small number of individuals and companies.
The post referenced Dokubo’s claim that about ₦2.7 trillion annually was associated with pipeline surveillance contracts involving the Olu of Warri, Ogi ame Atuwatse III, and businessman Osahon Idahosa.
Dokubo made the allegation in a video circulating online while defending former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, whose company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, is involved in pipeline surveillance.
Dokubo questioned why Tompolo had faced criticism over such contracts when, according to him, other beneficiaries allegedly received larger sums.
Olu of Warri Rejects ₦2.7 Trillion Claim
The allegation has been categorically rejected by the Olu of Warri’s representative, Prince Collins Edema.
Edema, the monarch’s representative to NNPC Limited and its joint-venture partners, challenged Dokubo to provide documentary evidence supporting the claim that the Olu receives ₦2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts.
The representative said the allegation should be tested against relevant contracts, procurement records, corporate documents, government approvals, performance reports and regulatory records.
The reported ₦2.7 trillion figure therefore remains an allegation and has not been independently established by documentary evidence made public.
What NNPC’s 2025 Accounts Actually Show
The controversy comes amid renewed attention to figures contained in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s 2025 audited financial statements.
NNPC’s accounts recorded ₦11.2 trillion in other receivables from the Federation at the end of 2025.
The amount relates to advances and costs incurred by NNPC on behalf of the Federation, including costs associated with protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.
However, the ₦11.2 trillion figure should not be interpreted as ₦11.2 trillion paid to individuals for pipeline surveillance during 2025.
The accounts specifically indicate that NNPC recognised no new energy-security expense in 2025.
An earlier energy-security-cost receivable of ₦8.67 trillion was reconciled and netted against royalties, taxes and dividends due to the Federation, with the reconciliation completed in September 2025.
Consequently, there is currently no evidence in the cited NNPC accounts establishing that the entire ₦11.2 trillion was paid to pipeline-surveillance contractors, or that it was distributed among the individuals named by Dokubo.
Nefertiti Links Allegations to 2027 Politics
In her post, Nefertiti argued that the alleged concentration of oil-security contracts contrasted sharply with what she described as persistent underdevelopment across the Niger Delta.
She cited environmental pollution, inadequate potable water, limited healthcare infrastructure and insufficient economic opportunities, arguing that communities producing Nigeria’s oil should receive greater economic benefits from the sector.
She also criticised the continued movement of oil-sector workers directly from Lagos to offshore fields, arguing that greater investment in Niger Delta infrastructure and local economies would create jobs and stimulate development.
The post called for investment in a maritime economy, functional seaports, rail infrastructure, tourism and industrial development, including the revitalisation of the Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout in Rivers State.
Appeal to Niger Delta Voters
Turning the argument into a political appeal, Nefertiti urged voters in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states to support Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election.
She described Obi as the candidate she believes can restore the Niger Delta economy and called on residents to vote with what she characterised as a sense of urgency.
The endorsement is the author’s political position; the allegations concerning the ₦2.7 trillion contract remain disputed.
Meanwhile, the ₦11.2 trillion figure in NNPC’s accounts represents Federation receivables rather than a documented ₦11.2 trillion payout to the individuals named in the social-media post.
Key Facts at a Glance
- ₦11.2tn: NNPC’s 2025 other receivables from the Federation, including advances and costs related to oil and gas asset security.
- ₦2.7tn: Figure alleged by Asari Dokubo to be associated annually with pipeline surveillance involving the Olu of Warri and Osahon Idahosa; not independently verified.
- Olu of Warri’s position: The allegation has been categorically rejected, with a demand for documentary proof.
- Tantita: Dokubo invoked Tompolo’s pipeline-security role while questioning what he described as unequal scrutiny of contractors.
- 2027: Nefertiti used the controversy to urge Niger Delta voters to support Peter Obi.
