‘Probe Ex-NMDPRA Boss Over ‘Low Quality’ Products’

The groups said intelligence gathered indicates “high levels of compromise” within the NMDPRA during Mr Ahmed’s tenure

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have called for a full-scale, independent investigation into the tenure of Farouk Ahmed, the former chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The demand followed the recent resignation of Mr Ahmed and Gbenga Komolafe, the chief executive officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), amid corruption allegations.

In a joint statement on Thursday by the CNPP’s deputy national publicity secretary, James Ezema, and the CNCSOs’ national secretary, Ali Abacha, the groups said Mr Ahmed’s resignation must not be allowed to end public scrutiny of the regulatory authority’s activities.

The statement, issued on behalf of over 75 civil society organisations under the CNCSOs umbrella, called for a comprehensive forensic probe into the operations, approvals, enforcement practices, and regulatory decisions of the NMDPRA, particularly concerning the quality of refined petroleum products imported into Nigeria.

The groups accused the authority of “regulatory negligence” that allegedly permitted the importation and distribution of substandard petrol and diesel in violation of ECOWAS Directive C/DIR.1/9/2020 on Harmonised Specifications for Motor Fuels, which came into effect on January 1, 2021.

“Our intelligence network has gathered disturbing information indicating high levels of compromise within the NMDPRA during the tenure of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, which allegedly enabled the continued importation, approval, and distribution of low-quality refined petroleum products that fall below ECOWAS harmonised standards.

“This failure has not only damaged vehicle engines, increased maintenance costs, and worsened environmental pollution but has also amounted to an economic and public safety assault on millions of Nigerians,” the groups said.

The groups also raised concerns about the role of the National Assembly committees responsible for oversight of the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, demanding an investigation into the extent of their diligence or possible complicity.

“Even more troubling is the role of the relevant committees of Nigeria’s National Assembly charged with oversight of the midstream and downstream petroleum regulators.

“CNPP and CNCSOs categorically demand a thorough investigation into the scope, depth, and integrity of legislative oversight exercised over the NMDPRA during this period, to establish their level of responsibility, negligence, or complicity by action or omission,” the statement said.

The organisations announced plans to unveil detailed findings from their joint intelligence committee, noting that the report would outline regulatory lapses, import approval processes, oversight failures, and other evidence linked to the alleged fuel quality violations.

Among their demands are an independent probe into NMDPRA’s compliance with ECOWAS fuel specifications and a nationwide audit of the quality of petrol and diesel imported from January 1, 2021, to date.

Also, “A forensic probe into the oversight roles of the relevant National Assembly committees, to determine their level of diligence, negligence, or complicity in allowing substandard fuels into the Nigerian market.

“Public disclosure of all findings and the prosecution of individuals and institutions found culpable, regardless of political status or influence.”

The groups warned that continued violations of fuel quality constitute economic crimes, consumer rights abuses, environmental hazards, and threats to public safety.

“Any attempt to sweep these issues under the carpet or treat the resignation of the former NMDPRA boss as closure will be firmly resisted,” the groups stated.

On Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asked the Senate to approve the nominations of two new chief executives for the NMDPRA and the NUPRC, following the resignation of Messrs Ahmed and Komolafe.

Mr Ahmed’s resignation followed a petition by the president and chief executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, who accused him of living far above his earnings as a public servant.

Mr Dangote, in a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), called for the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of Mr Ahmed.

The ICPC on Tuesday acknowledged receiving Mr Dangote’s petition against Mr Farouk, saying it will probe allegations of corruption and financial impropriety brought against him.

COURTESY: diplomaticinfo.com