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The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have strongly reacted to the resignation of the former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, by demanding an immediate, full-scale, and independent investigation into the regulatory activities carried out under his tenure.

The CNPP and over 75 civil society organizations under the CNCSOs state unequivocally that the resignation of the NMDPRA boss must not be allowed to mark the end of public scrutiny.

In a statement jointly signed by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Comrade James Ezema, and the National Secretary, Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), Alhaji Ali Abacha, the political parties and civil society organizations noted that the resignation of the NMDPRA boss, rather than close the case, “must open the door to a comprehensive forensic probe into the operations, decisions, approvals, and enforcement failures of the Authority, particularly as they relate to the quality of imported refined petroleum products into Nigeria.

“Of grave concern to our organisations is the persistent and widespread circulation of substandard imported petrol (Premium Motor Spirit) and diesel dispensed daily to Nigerian motorists, despite the clear provisions of ECOWAS Directive C/DIR.1/9/2020 on Harmonised Specifications for Motor Fuels (Petrol and Diesel), which came into force across the ECOWAS region on January 1, 2021. Nigeria, as a leading ECOWAS member state, is bound by this directive, yet evidence available to us points to blatant non-compliance and regulatory negligence.

“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.

According to the statement, “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 demanded “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.

“In this regard, the CNPP and CNCSOs hereby put the public on notice that findings by our Joint Intelligence Committee on the alleged blatant non-compliance with ECOWAS fuel specifications and regulatory negligence will be formally unveiled at a full-scale press conference in Abuja on a later date. These findings will detail regulatory lapses, import approval processes, oversight failures, and other critical evidence relevant to this national scandal.”

They therefore reiterate their demands for “A full-scale independent probe into the regulatory activities of the NMDPRA under Engr. Farouk Ahmed, with specific focus on compliance with ECOWAS Directive C/DIR.1/9/2020 on harmonised fuel specifications.

“A comprehensive investigation into the quality of petrol and diesel imported and dispensed in Nigeria from January 1, 2021 to date, including verification of compliance records, laboratory certifications, and enforcement actions.

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

The CNPP and CNCSOs warned that “continued fuel quality violations are not minor technical infractions but constitute economic crimes, consumer rights abuses, environmental hazards, and serious 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.

“Nigerians deserve safe, standard-compliant fuel, transparent regulation, and accountable governance. Anything short of this is an unacceptable betrayal of public trust”, the statement concluded.

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