The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on 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 investigate allegations of corruption within the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
SERAP’s request follows public disclosures made by the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.
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SERAP urged the anti-corruption agencies to jointly invite the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, for questioning regarding two major allegations.
He arbitrarily issues licenses for the importation of petroleum products, specifically from Russia and spent $5 million on the secondary school education of four of his children in Switzerland.
SERAP emphasised that taking these steps would improve transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s natural wealth, consistent with the Nigerian Constitution and the UN Convention against corruption.
The anti-corruption group also urged President Bola Tinubu and his government to ensure the protection of Dangote as a whistleblower, consistent with Article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party.
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SERAP argued that Dangote’s allegations amount to public interest disclosures that can contribute to strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s resources and access of Nigerians to essential public goods and services.
