The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) a civil Society public accountability watchdog express concern on the serious allegations of unexplained wealth currently surrounding Mr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
These allegations were publicly raised by Mr. Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, who alleged that approximately five million United States dollars (USD 5,000,000) was paid as foreign secondary school fees for Mr. Ahmed’s children in Switzerland.
FENRAD emphasizes that these are allegations and that Mr. Farouk Ahmed is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. However, given the scale of the alleged expenditure, the strategic importance of the office involved, and the overwhelming public interest, silence or inaction by relevant regulatory and Anti corruption agencies authorities would be unacceptable.
OUR CONCERNS
1. Unexplained Wealth & Asset Declaration
The alleged payment of USD 5 million by a public officer raises serious questions regarding compliance with:
The Code of Conduct for Public Officers
Mandatory asset declaration requirements
Income transparency within Nigeria’s public service
2. Institutional Integrity
Mr. Farouk Ahmed heads a regulatory body responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector. Any unresolved allegations against such an office holder risk undermining public confidence in the petroleum regulatory system.
3. Public Accountability
The allegation made by Mr. Aliko Dangote, a major stakeholder in Nigeria’s petroleum and industrial sectors, heightens the need for independent verification to protect both public interest and institutional credibility.
FENRAD’S DEMANDS
FENRAD therefore calls on:
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB)
The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)
to immediately commence a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the allegations against Mr. Farouk Ahmed, including:
Verification of the alleged USD 5 million school fee payments
Determination of the source of funds
Examination of asset declarations and financial records
Should any wrongdoing be established, FENRAD demands immediate prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law, without fear or favour.
CALL FOR VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE
FENRAD further calls on Mr. Farouk Ahmed to voluntarily submit himself to public accountability, cooperate fully with investigative agencies, and provide verifiable explanations in the interest of transparency and national integrity
CONCLUSION
FENRAD reiterates that no individual is above the law, irrespective of position, wealth, or influence. The rule of law must prevail, and accountability must be enforced to sustain Nigeria’s democracy and public trust.
We will continue to engage relevant authorities, monitor developments, and take all lawful steps to ensure justice, transparency, and institutional integrity.
Signed;
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD)
Tel; 08033383708,07062949232
Email fenradnigeria@yahoo.com
info@fenrad.org.ng
www. FENRAD.org.ng
