SERAP on Monday specifically asked the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to take action on the allegations.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Nigeria’s anti-corruption to investigate the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and its management.
SERAP on Monday specifically asked the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to take action on the allegations.
SERAP said the agencies should summon the NMDPRA chief to explain specific claims regarding licensing and personal expenditures.
“The anti-corruption agencies should jointly and urgently invite the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed to explain the allegations that NMDPRA arbitrarily issues licences for the importation of petroleum products from Russia and that he spent $5million on the secondary school education of four of his children in Switzerland and for interrogation and questioning over the allegations.”
The call followed allegations by Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group, that Engr. Ahmed spent $5 million on his children’s education abroad and issued import licences arbitrarily.
SERAP said acting on the allegations would enhance transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s natural resources.
“Taking these steps would improve transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s natural wealth and resources. It would also be entirely consistent with national anti-corruption legislation and both the spirit and the letter of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party.”
The organisation highlighted Nigeria’s Constitution, pointing to Section 15(5) which provides that “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
It also referenced the UN Convention against Corruption, noting that authorities are required to ensure “effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions and penalties for corruption.”
SERAP called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to ensure the protection of whistleblowers.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu and his government to ensure the protection of Mr Aliko Dangote as a whistleblower, consistent with article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption.”
The group emphasised that government institutions must protect whistleblowers from unjustified treatment.
“Article 33 of the Convention requires government institutions including the Tinubu administration to ensure the protection of whistleblowers against any unjustified treatment. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected in this case.”
SERAP also said Mr Dangote qualifies as a protected whistleblower because of his public disclosures.
“Mr Aliko Dangote is a whistleblower, who is protected under article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party. Mr Dangote is a whistleblower because of his public interest disclosures on allegations that he has raised.”
The organisation said the allegations could strengthen public accountability. “The allegations by Mr Aliko Dangote amount to public interest disclosures and can contribute to strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s natural wealth and resources and access of Nigerians to essential public goods and services.”
Finally, SERAP urged the authorities to investigate, hold those responsible accountable, and recover any proceeds of corruption.