Press Statement - ActionAid Nigeria Demands Immediate Presidential Intervention and Public Investigation into Alleged Corruption by NMDPRA Boss

Abuja, 15th December 2025 – ActionAid Nigeria considers recent media reports calling for a probe into the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed, a matter of urgent national and economic importance. The alleged payment of $5 million (approximately N7.5 billion) for the secondary education of four children raises serious questions about living far beyond legitimate means. While these remain allegations, they are grave, disturbing, and demand accountability, transparency, and integrity from public office holders.

This is a critical test of President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that public officials serve the nation, not personal enrichment. Allegations of this magnitude strike at the heart of public trust and demand an immediate, transparent, and independent response.

ActionAid Nigeria therefore calls on independent anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to boldly take on this case and commence an immediate and comprehensive investigation. The findings must be made public to restore confidence and demonstrate that no one is above the law.

Speaking in Abuja, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said:

“ActionAid Nigeria wholeheartedly applauds Alhaji Aliko Dangote for taking the courageous step of blowing the whistle on this potentially colossal act of financial impropriety. His action demonstrates the vital principle that if Nigerians ‘See Something, it is best to Say Something.’ We call on all citizens, private sector players, and public service professionals who witness or possess evidence of corruption to emulate this action. Whistleblowers are the first line of defense against the theft of public resources, and they must be protected and encouraged.’’

He added that “While this allegation targets a high-ranking regulatory official, it reflects a deeper, systemic crisis in governance. The extravagant lifestyle of many politicians and public office holders far exceeding their verifiable incomes has become a national embarrassment and a driver of poverty and inequality. The flamboyant display of wealth, including private jets, sprawling estates, luxury cars, and unrestrained spending, all without accountability, normalizes the diversion and mismanagement of public resources meant for essential services like health, education, and infrastructure.”

He also highlighted the critical issue of petroleum supply and pricing “Nigeria continues to import petroleum products at costs higher than what local refineries could achieve if they were fully functional. While importation benefits a few, it puts ordinary Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable at a disadvantage. We must ensure fair pricing that protects citizens, promotes local production, and does not encourage monopolies. The government must urgently invest in and maintain functional refineries, establish more local refineries, and ensure that citizens benefit from the wealth of our resources rather than being exploited by import-driven market distortions.”

Andrew Mamedu further noted that this culture of impunity furthers the perception that public office is primarily an opportunity for wealth accumulation rather than selfless service, eroding trust in democratic institutions and the rule of law.

ActionAid Nigeria therefore calls for systemic reforms to tackle corruption and rebuild public trust. Specifically, we demand that:

1. Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of NMDPRA, must immediately respond to the allegations and provide full clarity.
2. The Federal Government must intensify mandatory and public asset declarations that ensures all public officials’ assets are declared, verified, and made publicly accessible for citizen scrutiny.
3. The EFCC and ICPC must launch bold, large-scale investigations into public officials living beyond their verified means, with a focus on diversion of resources intended for essential services.
4. The National Assembly must push for radical transparency in public procurement, budget implementation, and revenue management across all tiers of government.
5. The Federal Government must move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate genuine commitment to tackling corruption, ensure functional local refineries, fair and affordable petroleum pricing, and efficient resource management that builds public trust and benefits all Nigerians.
6. All citizens are urged to actively engage in monitoring public resources, report corruption, demand accountability from public officials, and insist that government institutions operate transparently and responsibly. Every Nigerian has a role in defending public resources and safeguarding national interest.

#END

Signed

Andrew Mamedu PhD.

Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria