Follow Us on Google
From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The National Coordinator of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), Ibrahim Bello, has defended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over the claim that it is undermining regulatory independence.
The claim was made yesterday by the Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, in Lagos.
Bello, in a statement, absolved the NMDPRA Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed, of corruption allegations or living above his means.
He said he had conducted internal reviews and assessments and found no basis whatsoever for the claims of corruption against Ahmed.
“Our findings clearly show that Mr Farouk Ahmed has not engaged in any corrupt practice. Rather, he has been repositioning the downstream sector to promote fairness, competition and efficiency, while ensuring that no single entity monopolises the industry to the detriment of Nigerians,” Bello stated.
Other News
He added that the leadership of the NMDPRA under Ahmed has remained faithful to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), strengthening regulatory transparency and creating opportunities for more investors to participate in the sector.
He debunked claims that the NMDPRA CEO allegedly paid five million United States dollars ($5 million) as school fees for his children in Switzerland, stressing that no proof or verifiable evidence had been provided to substantiate such assertions.
According to him, making such grave allegations in the media without recourse to due process poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s regulatory institutions and reform agenda.
Also, he argued that the sustained attacks on the NMDPRA leadership stemmed from its refusal to compromise regulatory standards or allow any company to dominate the petroleum downstream space.
“We believe these allegations are aimed at intimidating the regulator because of its insistence on fairness, competition and value for Nigerians,” the coalition said.
While reaffirming his commitment to transparency and accountability, he urged individuals and corporate entities with genuine grievances to follow due process rather than resorting to media trials.
