Calls for Sanctions: Protesters Petition US, Swiss Embassies Over Oil Sector Corruption in Nigeria
A coalition of lawyers and civil society members under the banner of the Concerned Young Professionals Network (CYPN) staged a peaceful protest on Thursday at the embassies of the United States and Switzerland in Abuja, demanding international intervention in the ongoing allegations of corruption against Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Led by Barrister Aquila Kendo, CYPN’s national coordinator, the protesters delivered formal petitions to the ambassadors of both countries, urging them to deploy diplomatic tools, including visa restrictions, against Ahmed and his immediate family.
The move, the group says, is part of a broader effort to push for accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s public institutions.
The petition accuses Engr. Ahmed of gross abuse of office and diversion of public funds, alleging he has amassed substantial personal wealth at the expense of national development.
“Corruption has ravaged the nucleus and fabric of our great nation,” the petition reads. “Millions of children are out of school, women are denied access to basic healthcare, and retirees are unable to access their pensions yet public officials continue to enrich themselves unchecked.”
Barrister Kendo, addressing reporters at the protest, called on the international community to stand with Nigerians in the fight against corruption.
“We are appealing to the United States as a strategic partner of Nigeria to take a firm stand against impunity. Engr. Farouk Ahmed must be held accountable. His actions have betrayed the trust of the Nigerian people.”
He added that the petition, which was initially submitted to Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, has now been elevated to the diplomatic level due to the lack of decisive action domestically.
The group believes that international pressure could help compel Nigerian authorities to properly investigate the allegations and hold those responsible to account.
As of the time of this report, the NMDPRA CEO has not publicly responded to the accusations.
