Abuja: ActionAid Nigeria has called on the President to initiate an independent public investigation into allegations involving Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The organisation stressed that such a probe is critical to reinforcing accountability, transparency, and public trust in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Dr Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, presented the appeal in a statement released in Abuja, emphasising institutional integrity, citizen trust, and timely responses that strengthen democratic governance nationwide.
Mamedu referenced media reports alleging education expenses for four children, noting the claims remained unproven, while encouraging calm, lawful scrutiny that upheld due process, fairness, and respect for all parties involved.
Mamedu urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to begin an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation, with findings publicly disclosed.
ActionAid Nigeria commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for responsibly raising concerns, highlighting the positive civic value of speaking up, and encouraging citizens, professionals, and businesses to report suspected wrongdoing in good faith.
He emphasised protecting whistleblowers, describing them as essential partners in safeguarding public resources, strengthening accountability systems, and fostering a culture in which ethical conduct is rewarded and corruption is consistently discouraged nationwide.
Mamedu observed that the allegations invited broader reflection on governance, promoting reforms that encouraged modest leadership, verifiable incomes, and responsible stewardship, helping reduce inequality and expand opportunities for all Nigerians nationwide.
He highlighted concerns about petroleum supply and supported investment in operational local refineries to achieve fair pricing, energy security, and reduced import dependence, ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians benefit from competitive, transparent market practices.
ActionAid noted that ending impunity would strengthen democracy, restore trust in institutions, and reaffirm public service as a platform for national development, professionalism, and inclusive growth rather than personal enrichment nationwide.
The organisation encouraged prompt clarification from the official concerned, alongside strengthened asset declarations, verification, and public access, empowering citizens, legislators, and oversight bodies to collaboratively advance transparency and accountable governance nationwide.
ActionAid called on Nigerians to actively monitor public resources, engage institutions constructively, report concerns responsibly, and sustain collective demand for accountability, fairness, and effective service delivery across all levels of government.