NMDPRA CEO is not corrupt – Coalition

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has debunked claims that the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed, is corrupt. The claim was made by the Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote. But the groups said the corruption allegation was false, unfounded and unsupported […]

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has debunked claims that the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed, is corrupt.

The claim was made by the Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote.

But the groups said the corruption allegation was false, unfounded and unsupported by evidence whatsoever.

The CSOs made their position known at a joint press conference in Abuja, where they described the allegations as a calculated attempt to discredit the leadership of the NMDPRA over its firm stance against unfair practices in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector.

Addressing journalists 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 conducted internal reviews and assessments and found no basis whatsoever for the claims of corruption against the NMDPRA boss.

“Our findings clearly show that Mr Farouk Ahmed has not engaged in any corrupt practice. Rather, he has been repositioning the downstream sector to promote fairness, competition and efficiency,” Bello stated.

He added that the leadership of the NMDPRA under Ahmed has remained faithful to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), strengthening regulatory transparency and creating opportunities for more investors to participate in the sector.

The CSOs numbering over 50 argued that the sustained attacks on the NMDPRA leadership stem from its refusal to compromise regulatory standards.

“We believe these allegations are aimed at intimidating the regulator because of its insistence on fairness, competition and value for Nigerians,” the coalition said.

While reaffirming their commitment to transparency and accountability, the organisations urged individuals and corporate entities with genuine grievances to follow due process, rather than resorting to media trials.

They called on Nigerians to disregard the unproven allegations, urged stakeholders in the petroleum sector to respect regulatory institutions, and appealed to the Federal Government to continue supporting the independence and reform-driven leadership of the NMDPRA.