A civil society organisation, Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative, has demanded urgent action from Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies over allegations of corruption involving the chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed. The group stormed the headquarters of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja, seeking prompt investigation into the claims.
The allegations, which were made public by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group Plc, suggest that Ahmed spent over $5 million on the secondary school education of his four children in Switzerland. Dangote claimed to have empirical evidence to support his allegations and has submitted a petition to the anti-graft agencies. The Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative has also submitted a petition, urging the agencies to investigate the matter without delay.
According to the group, the alleged expenditure of $5 million translates to over N7.2 billion at prevailing foreign exchange rates, a figure that is “alarming and deeply disturbing” in a country grappling with widespread poverty and economic hardship. The organisation is seeking an explanation from Ahmed on the source of funds used for his children’s education, should the allegations be found to have merit.
The allegations have sparked intense public debate, with many calling for swift action from the anti-corruption agencies. The Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative has vowed to continue monitoring developments and mobilising public attention on the matter, stressing that accountability is essential to good governance and national development.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, where Ahmed serves as a key official, is responsible for regulating the country’s midstream and downstream petroleum operations, a sector critical to the nation’s economy. The authority’s officials are expected to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability, given the scale of revenues and regulatory powers involved.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has the statutory power to investigate allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and illicit enrichment involving public officers. The Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative is urging the commission to exercise this mandate without fear or favour, and to ensure that any investigation is conducted professionally and without political interference.
As the allegations continue to generate public concern, the anti-corruption agencies are under pressure to act swiftly and transparently. The Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative has stressed that a thorough investigation is necessary to restore public confidence in the anti-corruption framework and to deter abuse of office. The matter is being closely watched, and the outcome is expected to have significant implications for the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
