The Socio-Financial Rights and Accountability Undertaking (SERAP) has referred to as on Nigeria’s anti-corruption companies to urgently examine allegations of corruption throughout the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
SERAP, in a press release launched on Monday, urged the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC), and the Unbiased Corrupt Practices and Different Associated Offences Fee (ICPC) to collectively examine the claims, establish these accountable, recuperate any proceeds of corruption, and guarantee accountability.
The request follows public allegations made by the President and Chief Govt Officer of the Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, who raised issues about NMDPRA’s licensing practices and the alleged private expenditure by its chief govt.
Allegations in opposition to NMDPRA management
SERAP particularly requested the companies to ask the Chief Govt of NMDPRA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, for interrogation over allegations that the authority arbitrarily points licences for the importation of petroleum merchandise from Russia.
- The organisation additionally referenced claims that Ahmed allegedly spent about $5 million on the secondary faculty schooling of 4 of his youngsters in Switzerland, calling for a radical probe into the supply of the funds.
- SERAP argued that investigating the allegations would enhance transparency and accountability within the administration of Nigeria’s pure sources, notably within the oil and gasoline sector.
“The anticorruption companies ought to collectively and urgently invite the Chief Govt of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed to clarify the allegations that NMDPRA arbitrarily points licences for the importation of petroleum merchandise from Russia and that he spent $5 million on the secondary faculty schooling of 4 of his youngsters in Switzerland and for interrogation and questioning over the allegations,” SERAP said.
Authorized and worldwide obligations cited
The rights group cited Part 15(5) of the 1999 Structure, which mandates the Nigerian state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of energy.
It additionally referenced Nigeria’s obligations beneath the United Nations Conference in opposition to Corruption, which requires efficient and proportionate sanctions for corruption-related offences.
- SERAP mentioned probing the allegations can be in line with each nationwide anti-corruption legal guidelines and Nigeria’s worldwide commitments.
- The organisation additional urged President Bola Tinubu and the federal authorities to make sure safety for Mr. Dangote as a whistleblower, according to Article 33 of the UN Conference in opposition to Corruption.
- SERAP maintained that Dangote’s disclosures represent issues of public curiosity and ought to be protected in opposition to any type of retaliation or unjustified therapy.
“The allegations by Mr. Aliko Dangote quantity to public curiosity disclosures and may contribute to strengthening transparency and accountability within the administration of the nation’s pure wealth and sources,” the organisation mentioned.
Backstory
Talking throughout a media briefing on challenges in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gasoline sector on Sunday, Dangote raised a number of allegations in opposition to the NMDPRA and its management.
Except for the allegations of corruption, Dangote alleged that the company has been releasing figures that don’t precisely mirror the precise manufacturing at its Lekki-based refinery, insisting that the regulator’s studies current a distorted view of operations.
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