A coalition of public interest lawyers and civil society organisations has intensified calls for the removal and prosecution of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, over alleged financial misconduct, abuse of office, and conflict of interest.
On Tuesday, the coalition stormed the National Assembly in Abuja to submit a detailed petition to the leadership of the House of Representatives. The petition accuses Ahmed of gross financial impropriety, including the alleged diversion of over $5 million in public funds to sponsor the overseas education of his four children.
The legal alliance, which includes groups such as the Situation Room for Oil Sector Reforms, the Concerned Young Professionals Network, and the Coalition for Public Accountability (COPA), is calling for Ahmed’s immediate suspension, a thorough investigation, and subsequent prosecution.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly complex, one of the lead petitioners, Barr. Samuel Ihensekhien, urged lawmakers to urgently investigate the matter.
“We are here again to demand accountability and transparency from Mr. Farouk Ahmed. His actions represent a gross betrayal of public trust, and it is time he faced the consequences,” Ihensekhien stated.
The petition also raised concerns about a conflict of interest involving Ahmed’s son, Faisal Ahmed, who is allegedly employed by Oando Plc—an oil firm regulated by NMDPRA. The petitioners argue that such an appointment compromises the regulatory body’s neutrality and undermines confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas governance framework.
Desmond Tabakwot, another legal representative in the coalition, said, “This is a clear case of corruption and abuse of office. We will not stand idly by while public officials misuse state resources and weaken our institutions.”
The petition includes several key demands:
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Immediate suspension of Farouk Ahmed from office.
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A comprehensive investigation and prosecution by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies.
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The freezing of all local and international assets linked to him.
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Collaboration with international bodies, including INTERPOL, to facilitate possible extradition if needed.
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Institutional reforms to improve transparency and oversight in the appointment of regulatory heads within the oil and gas sector.
Dr. S.M. Oyeghe, also a signatory to the petition, emphasized the coalition’s commitment to pursuing justice.
“We will not rest until justice is served. The National Assembly must act decisively to restore public trust and demonstrate that no public official is above the law,” he said.
Tuesday’s petition is the latest in a wave of public criticism facing the NMDPRA chief. Civil society actors argue that Ahmed’s continued presence in office poses a serious threat to ongoing efforts to instill transparency and accountability in the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
As pressure mounts on Parliament to respond, industry stakeholders and observers are closely watching how the National Assembly and relevant authorities will act on the explosive allegations.
