Petroleum reforms: CSOs, NYCN defend NMDPRA boss amidst protests

Omeiza Bilal with agency

The League of Civil Society Groups and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has commended the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engineer Farouk Ahmed, for his leadership style a well as the agency’s strides in Nigeria’s transition to a post-subsidy petroleum regime.

This comes in the wake of street demonstrations and online campaigns targeting the NMDPRA boss, with allegations ranging from mismanagement of funds to licensing irregularities—claims the civil society leaders described as “largely unsubstantiated and politically motivated.”

Speaking to journalists Thursday in Abuja, President of the League of Civil Society Groups, Mohammed Basah, said the current leadership of the NMDPRA deserves commendation for implementing key components of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and ensuring fair competition in the market following the removal of fuel subsidies.

“We have reviewed the ongoing campaign against Engineer Farouk Ahmed and found no credible evidence of wrongdoing. On the contrary, the NMDPRA under his leadership has introduced transparent and globally competitive frameworks that are stabilizing the downstream sector. These protests are ill-timed and risk derailing much-needed reforms.

“There is a clear attempt to politicize regulatory progress. We call on the public and oversight institutions to prioritize evidence-based engagements rather than media trials,” Basah said.

Also speaking, Vice President (North Central) of the NYCN, Comrade Mukhtar Akoshile, described the protests as misinformed and urged Nigerian youth to be wary of being used for political agendas.

He noted that several student unions had already withdrawn their participation in the protests after acknowledging that earlier claims about foreign sponsorship of education and procurement infractions could not be verified.

The civil society groups emphasized that their support for the NMDPRA does not negate the need for accountability, but stressed that due process must be followed and allegations must be backed with concrete evidence.

They urged the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to focus on sustaining the momentum of reforms in the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors rather than entertain distractions that could discourage investors.