Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following the company’s recent admission of a substantial debt totaling $6 billion owed to petrol suppliers.

This disclosure, made public on September 1, has intensified the ongoing fuel scarcity crisis, which has now been affecting the country for six weeks.

NNPCL’s Chief Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, confirmed the debt, highlighting the severe financial strain it has imposed on the company’s operations.

Soneye acknowledged that the debt poses a significant challenge to the company’s ability to maintain a steady fuel supply.

Despite these difficulties, Soneye reassured the public that NNPCL remains dedicated to fulfilling its role as the supplier of last resort, as required by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The company is actively working with government agencies to ensure that petroleum products remain available across the nation.

In response to the situation, Atiku Abubakar expressed his deep concern through a statement released by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu.

He criticized the NNPCL’s handling of the situation, questioning the credibility of the profits that had previously been touted by the company.

Atiku accused the current administration under President Bola Tinubu of leading NNPCL towards a state of disarray, characterizing their actions as a “ruthless dismantling of its assets” and expressing skepticism about the transparency and effectiveness of their management.