Following the sudden resignation of Mr. Ahmed Farouk as the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA),
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), has reiterated its earlier call for a Probe of the petroleum regulatory agency as a result of public allegations of corruption and abuse of office raised by the President of the Dangote Group. ANEEJ has also acknowledged the subsequent appointment of a replacement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement signed by ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor insists that the investigation must proceed without hindrance and where evidence establishes wrongdoing, appropriate charges should be filed and diligently prosecuted in line with the law, noting that it is essential not only to establish the truth of the allegations but also to serve as a strong deterrent to others in positions of public trust.
“In the wake of these grave allegations, the organisation issued a press release calling for a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the claims to protect the public interest and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory institutions. While the resignation of Mr. Farouk is a significant development, it is important to stress that resignation alone does not amount to accountability.”
“Accordingly, ANEEJ insists that the investigation must proceed without hindrance, and where evidence establishes wrongdoing, appropriate charges should be filed and diligently prosecuted in line with the law. This is essential not only to establish the truth of the allegations but also to serve as a strong deterrent to others in positions of public trust.
The statement adds that “The issues raised by the Dangote Group given its scale, investment footprint, and relevance to Nigeria’s energy security underscore longstanding concerns about governance deficits, regulatory capture, and transparency challenges within critical sectors of the economy. ANEEJ therefore calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubuto frontally address these issues and use this moment to demonstrate unequivocal political will.”
ANEEJ urges the President to declare and sustain a total war against corruption, which remains a major driver of Nigeria’s developmental challenges and the country’s growing insecurity. Beyond regulatory reforms, this effort must include decisive action to cleanse the administration of individuals credibly linked to the financing of terrorism and banditry, in accordance with due process and the rule of law.
“Leadership is measured by the courage to confront vested interests and restore public confidence in state institutions,”Ugolor noted. “Nigeria urgently needs a clear signal that no one is above the law and that allegations of corruptionespecially in strategic sectors—will be addressed transparently and decisively.”
“ANEEJ reaffirms its commitment to supporting anti-corruption reforms through advocacy, citizen engagement, and collaboration with oversight institutions. The organisation calls on relevant anti-corruption agencies to act professionally and independently to ensure that this case is resolved in a manner that strengthens accountability, advances national development, and restores public trust.”