Protesters Petition House of Reps, Demand Probe of NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed Over Corruption Allegations.
A group of public interest lawyers and civil society organisations stormed the National Assembly on Wednesday, submitting a formal petition demanding the immediate suspension and investigation of Farouk Ahmed, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Led by legal practitioners including Samuel Ihensekhien Esq., Jnr Desmond Tabakwot Esq., and Dr. S. M. Oyeghe Esq., the protest accused Ahmed of gross misconduct, including the alleged misappropriation of over \$5 million in public funds, abuse of office, and conflict of interest.
The petition, submitted to the National Assembly leadership, cited serious breaches, including the alleged employment of Ahmed’s son, Faisal Ahmed, at Oando PLC a company directly under the regulatory authority of the NMDPRA which they described as a blatant conflict of interest.
“Farouk Ahmed’s continued stay in office is a betrayal of public trust. His actions must be thoroughly investigated, and justice must be served,” Ihensekhien stated.
The protesters demanded the immediate freezing of Farouk Ahmed’s assets both within and outside Nigeria, as well as his prosecution and dismissal from office. They also called for comprehensive reforms in the process of appointing and overseeing heads of regulatory bodies within the oil and gas sector.
Backing the petition were several advocacy coalitions, including the Situation Room for Oil Sector Reforms, the Concerned Young Professionals Network, and the Coalition for Public Accountability (COPA). These groups stressed that Ahmed’s alleged misconduct threatens transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
“We will not remain silent while corruption undermines national institutions,” said Dr. Oyeghe. “This is a call to restore credibility and protect the future of our oil industry.”
The petition is currently under review, and the National Assembly has yet to respond publicly to the demands.
