…Accuse Dangote of Undermining Regulatory Independence*
Over fifty civil society organisations (CSOs) have rejected corruption allegations made against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed, describing the claims as unsubstantiated and unsupported by evidence.
The CSOs stated their position on Monday at a joint press conference in Abuja, where they said the allegations, which they attributed to the Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Aliko Dangote, appeared aimed at discrediting the leadership of the NMDPRA amid regulatory actions in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Convener, Comrade Ibrahim Bello—who is also the National Coordinator of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI)—said the organisations had reviewed the allegations and found no factual basis to support claims of corruption against the NMDPRA chief.
According to Bello, the coalition’s assessment indicated that Ahmed’s leadership has focused on strengthening regulatory transparency, promoting competition, and ensuring compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The CSOs also addressed claims attributed to Dangote alleging that the NMDPRA CEO paid $5 million in school fees for his children in Switzerland. They said no verifiable evidence had been presented to substantiate the allegation.
The coalition warned that making serious accusations through the media without recourse to due process could undermine public confidence in regulatory institutions and affect ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector.
Several civil society leaders endorsed the position, including representatives of Citizens Watch for Good Governance, the Accountability and Democratic Values Initiative, the Nigerian Coalition Against Corruption and Waste, the Voice of Conscience Foundation, and other organisations drawn from across the country.
According to the CSOs, criticisms directed at the NMDPRA leadership may be linked to the agency’s enforcement of regulatory standards and its resistance to practices perceived as capable of limiting competition in the downstream petroleum industry.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability and urged individuals or corporate entities with grievances to pursue established legal and institutional channels rather than engaging in public accusations.
They called on Nigerians to exercise caution regarding unproven allegations, urged stakeholders in the petroleum sector to respect regulatory institutions, and appealed to the Federal Government to continue supporting the independence of regulatory agencies.
The CSOs concluded by expressing confidence in Ahmed’s leadership, stating that his actions have strengthened regulatory credibility, enhanced stakeholder confidence, and safeguarded the national interest in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum industry.