News
Over 50 CSOs Dismiss Corruption Allegations Against NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed
…Accuse Dangote of undermining regulatory independence
Over fifty Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Monday rose in strong defence of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed, unanimously dismissing allegations of corruption levelled against him by Mr Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, as false, unfounded and unsupported by evidence.
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 monopolistic 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, while ensuring that no single entity monopolises the industry to the detriment of Nigerians,” 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 coalition specifically debunked claims attributed to Mr Dangote that the NMDPRA CEO allegedly paid five million United States dollars ($5 million) as school fees for his children in Switzerland, stressing that no proof or verifiable evidence had been provided to substantiate such assertions.
According to the CSOs, making such grave allegations in the media without recourse to due process poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s regulatory institutions and reform agenda.
Prominent members of the coalition who endorsed the position include Hajiya Fatima Sani, Executive Director of Citizens Watch for Good Governance (CWGG); Barrister Chukwudi Eze, Chairman of the Accountability and Democratic Values Initiative (ADVI); Dr Mrs Ngozi Okeke, President of the Nigerian Coalition Against Corruption and Waste (NCACW); and Pastor Emmanuel Adebayo, General Secretary of the Voice of Conscience Foundation (VOCF).
Others are Mr Tunde Ogunleye, National Convener of the Integrity Monitors Network (IMN); Ms Chioma Nwosu, Chairperson of Patriots for Transparent Procurement (PTP); Comrade Aisha Yusuf, National Secretary of the Civil Liberties and Anti-Corruption Movement (CLACOM); and Engr. Musa Abdullahi, Director of Programmes at the Due Process Advocacy Network (DPAN).
Also lending their voices were Prof. Grace Adeyemi, Board Chair of the National Alliance for Ethical Leadership (NAEL); Mr Segun Olawale, Spokesperson for the Citizens Coalition for Open Governance (CCOG); Barr. (Mrs.) Funmi Adewole, Legal Adviser to the Justice and Accountability Project (JAP); and Alhaji Usman Danladi, Northern Coordinator of the Nigerian Integrity and Development Forum (NIDF).
Regional leaders present included Rev. Fr. Joseph Okon, South-South Zonal Chairman of the Public Funds Protection Movement (PFPM); Ms Bolanle Adeoti, Women Leader of Transparency and Responsibility Advocates (TRA); Elder Peter Okonkwo, South-East Coordinator of the Good Governance Monitors Assembly (GGMA); and Mallam Bello Yakubu, North-West Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Crusaders Network (ACCN), alongside representatives of several other organisations.
The CSOs argued that the sustained attacks on the NMDPRA leadership stem from its refusal to compromise regulatory standards or allow any company to dominate the petroleum downstream space.
“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.
The coalition concluded by reaffirming its full confidence in Mr Farouk Ahmed, describing him as a regulator whose actions have strengthened credibility, boosted stakeholder confidence and safeguarded the national interest in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum industry.
News
Book Launch Committee inaugurated to showcase Tinubu’s reforms
Joel Ajayi
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Mohammed Isa, on Monday inaugurated the Technical Working Committee for the launch of a book titled “The New Nigeria: Compliment to the Game-Changer.”
Isa said the book initiative, championed by the International Christian Organisation for Sustainable Development (ICOSD) in partnership with his office, was dedicated to President Bola Tinubu and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He conveyed the greetings of President Tinubu to stakeholders and described the book project as a reflection of the administration’s vision of bold reforms, inclusive growth and decisive leadership.
According to him, the 700-page book, authored by Dr Joseph Vambe with a foreword by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, documents Nigeria’s ongoing transformation under Tinubu’s leadership.
“The book captures the remarkable progress, policy choices and strategic reforms being implemented by the President, and invites Nigerians to appreciate this defining moment in our national journey,” Isa said.
He charged members of the Technical Working Committee to work diligently to ensure a successful and nationally significant book launch, urging them to adhere strictly to the approved terms of reference, implementation strategy and sponsorship plan.
Isa emphasised teamwork, professionalism, accountability and dedication as guiding principles for the committee, before formally inaugurating its members.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of ICOSD and author of the book, Dr Joseph Vambe, said the project was inspired by Tinubu’s emergence and the reforms of his administration.
Vambe said the organisation began documenting the administration’s activities from the President’s first day in office to show the evidence that “Nigeria already has a New Nigeria.”
He commended the SSA to the president for his support and partnership, noting that the collaboration gave the project renewed momentum.
“We approached government institutions earlier, but it was our meeting with the SSA that marked a turning point. From that day, he showed interest and embraced this vision,” Vambe said.
He added that the partnership was aimed at promoting empowerment initiatives and supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a trillion-dollar economy.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Mr Emmanuel Afolabi, thanked the SSA for the warm reception accorded the committee.
Afolabi assured that members would work within the established guidelines to ensure the success of the assignment and contribute to making Nigeria greater in line with the President’s vision.
“We assure you that we’ll never let you down we will work according to the the norms that have established this group and our aim is to make Nigeria great just with the president and we will do that by the grace of God, ” Afolabi said. (
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