A coalition of lawyers and civil society activists marched on the headquarters of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Monday, demanding the immediate resignation of the agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Farouk Ahmed.
Operating under the banner Concerned Lawyers and Civil Society in Defence of Public Trust, the protesters accused Ahmed of abusing his position. They urged President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly and decisively by removing him from office.
Protesters Demand Financial Probe and Legal Action
According to the coalition, Ahmed’s alleged misconduct requires immediate investigation. They called for a thorough audit of NMDPRA’s financial records and urged prosecutors to pursue charges under the Public Procurement Act and the Code of Conduct Bureau Act.
“Farouk Ahmed must be held accountable,” said Barrister Martins Adaji, who led the protest. “This is not just about one man; it’s about defending public trust and stopping the misuse of power.”
Moreover, the group emphasized that regulatory agencies must not operate above the law. They argued that transparency and accountability are non-negotiable in a democracy.
Activists Say Recovered Funds Should Serve Neglected Oil Communities
In addition to demanding prosecution, the protesters urged that any funds recovered from the proposed probe be channeled into education infrastructure. Specifically, they want the money used to renovate schools in oil-producing regions that suffer from extreme underdevelopment.
“Our children in oil-rich areas still study in broken classrooms,” Adaji said. “Meanwhile, officials waste public money on luxury. That must end.”
Furthermore, the group insisted that channeling recovered funds toward these communities would demonstrate a genuine commitment to equity and development.
Coalition Vows Nationwide Action If Demands Are Ignored
The protesters issued a stern warning: if the government ignores their demands, they will escalate the campaign. They promised to occupy streets, government buildings, and media spaces nationwide until action is taken.
“Today’s protest is just the beginning,” the group declared. “If they ignore us, we will come back louder and stronger. Nigerian youths, civil society, and the public are ready to stand for justice.”
They also challenged President Tinubu to prove his administration’s commitment to good governance.
“We call on the President to act now,” they concluded. “Farouk Ahmed must go—not later, not eventually, but immediately.”