The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and more than 75 civil society organisations (CSOs) have given the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engineer Farouk Ahmed, a 14-day ultimatum to step aside to allow an independent probe into allegations of large-scale corruption.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, CNPP Deputy National Secretary, James Ezema, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), accused Ahmed of being at the centre of what they described as “one of the most brazen cases of public sector corruption in recent times.”
The groups cited petitions and investigative reports alleging that more than $5 million (approximately ₦7.5 billion) in public funds may have been diverted under Ahmed’s leadership. The money was allegedly used to finance the foreign education of his four children at prestigious European institutions, including Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and European University Montreux, where annual fees reportedly range between $80,000 and $140,000 per student.
Beyond financial misconduct, the CNPP and CSOs further accused Ahmed of gross abuse of office, conflicts of interest, and regulatory compromises that threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. They warned that his continued stay in office “not only undermines ongoing investigations but erodes public trust in critical regulatory institutions.”
The ultimatum comes amid mounting protests led by youth-based groups such as the Concerned Young Professionals Network and the Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria, who have been occupying the premises of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for two consecutive days to demand accountability.
The groups also expressed alarm over reports of alleged attempts to suppress dissent through the mobilisation of thugs to attack peaceful protesters at NMDPRA headquarters.
“Public office is a public trust. Once that trust is broken, the honourable and ethical course of action is to step aside for investigation,” the statement read.
They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend Ahmed, aligning with his administration’s anti-corruption agenda, and warned that inaction could spark nationwide protests.
“Should Engr. Ahmed fail to comply within the stipulated 14 days, we will not hesitate to launch sustained and coordinated mass actions, including the total shutdown of NMDPRA headquarters and its zonal offices nationwide, until justice is served,” the statement concluded.
The CNPP and CSOs reaffirmed their commitment to defending citizens’ rights and promoting transparency and accountability in public office.