Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agencies to urgently step in over fresh allegations of corruption within the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
In a statement, SERAP urged the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately investigate the claims, identify anyone found culpable and ensure that any proceeds of corruption are fully recovered.
According to SERAP, the agencies should also jointly invite the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, to explain serious allegations that the authority arbitrarily issues licences for the importation of petroleum products from Russia. The organisation further asked that Ahmed be questioned over claims that he spent $5 million on the secondary school education of four of his children in Switzerland.
SERAP’s call follows public allegations made by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who accused the NMDPRA chief of both the controversial licensing practices and the alleged $5 million foreign education expenditure.
The rights group said taking decisive action on the matter would significantly strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s natural wealth and resources. It noted that such steps would align squarely with existing national anti-corruption laws and Nigeria’s obligations under international frameworks.
SERAP cited Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that ‘The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.’ It also referenced the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which obliges authorities to enforce effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions against corruption.
Beyond the investigation itself, SERAP appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu and his administration to guarantee the safety and protection of Aliko Dangote as a whistleblower, in line with Article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption.
Article 33 of the convention, the group stressed, requires governments to protect whistleblowers from any form of unjustified treatment. SERAP insisted that these international commitments must be fully respected in this case.
The organisation maintained that Dangote qualifies as a whistleblower under international law because his disclosures were made in the public interest and raised concerns of national importance.
“The allegations by Mr Aliko Dangote amount to public interest disclosures and can contribute to strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s natural wealth and resources and access of Nigerians to essential public goods and services.”