… threatens to occupy NMDPRA
Some Civil Society Organisations have called on President Ahmed Tinubu to sack Farouk Ahmed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and launch an investigation into possible acts of sabotage against operations of local refineries in the country.
The CSOs; Empowerment For Unemployed Youth Innovative, Rising Up for a United Nigeria, Patriotic Nigeria Youth Forum, Guidance of Democracy and development initiative and Citizens Awareness Against Corruption and Social Vices Initiative (CAACASVI) unanimously made the call while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
Led by the convener, Empowerment For Unemployed Youth Innovative, Comr Danesi Momoh Prince, the CSOs who while describing Farouk as the “face of the oil and gas cartel in Nigeria,” threatened to halt activities at the NMDPRA office by occupying its premises should
According to the CSOs, they would not allow a Nigerian investment of over $2 billion to be frustrated by a few Nigerian while millions of Nigerians remain jobless and investors increasingly avoiding the country
He said: “The open sabotage of local oil production in Nigeria by Farouk Ahmed must not go unpunished. He must be sacked, if not, the proposed national protests which some of us have been working to stop may actually start from there. We cannot be a country in which an open evil will triumph over good.
“Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative, Other Civil Society Groups and all concerned Nigerians have long been aware of the powerful and unpatriotic oil and gas cartel that has consistently thwarted any attempt to end the corrupt business of petroleum product importation and the associated racketeering. While this cartel has operated covertly to ensure that no refinery functions effectively in Nigeria, we hoped that one day, the citizens would triumph over this insidious group.
“What no one ever imagined was that the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority would become the practical leader and face of this group. This is the most egregious episode of economic sabotage currently facing our nation. Nigerians must act decisively to dismantle this influence or risk remaining subjugated indefinitely.
“We are not only outraged but also ashamed of what our country has become – a place where public officers prioritize their pecuniary interests over national welfare.
We are leading this struggle on behalf of the unemployed, who are the most directly endangered by this sinister enterprise. The NMDPRA has demonstrated its disdain for the establishment of local production. In doing so, it has overstepped its regulatory bounds, going as far as to undermine the products of Dangote Refinery. This is a blatant act of national economic sabotage that must be defeated. And this is why his immediate sack and investigation has become inevitable. Mr President should act as a matter of urgency.
“In fact, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be compelled, through this struggle, to take a stand—either with the people or with these monstrous cartels. We cannot allow a Nigerian investment of over $2 billion to be frustrated while millions of Nigerians are jobless and investors increasingly avoid our nation.”
He added, “For clarity, we are not against importation. However, importers must compete with local producers. The idea of frustrating local refineries to allow import cartels to strangle the country cannot continue. Farouk Ahmed is on a malicious mission, and he must be stopped and decisively dealt with to act as a deterrent to other traitors and saboteurs of the national economy.
“It is also shocking that after disparaging the capacity and quality of Dangote’s petroleum products, Mr. Ahmed admitted that they have been exporting AGO and DPK, which he claims (without any prior report of pre-shipment inspection) to be inferior. The countries that received these products have not complained. It is, therefore, a disgrace that our own regulatory authority’s head is the one making these accusations.
“Nigerians should be aware that Farouk Ahmed has been entrenched in the oil industry for a long time. He is part of every instance of corruption that plagued the NNPC. He has been among those who frustrated the operation of government-owned refineries after fleecing Nigeria of millions of dollars. He is indeed a known adversary. Whatever emboldens him to openly oppose local production must be confronted.
“While addressing the negative impact of certain individuals and cartels, it is crucial to also highlight and celebrate the positive contributions that transformative projects can bring to our nation. The Dangote Group, under the visionary leadership of Aliko Dangote, has continually set benchmarks for economic and industrial growth in Nigeria and Africa. With diversified interests spanning cement, sugar, salt, and pasta production, the Group has significantly contributed to job creation, infrastructure development, and national revenue generation. Among its most ambitious projects is the Dangote Refinery, which stands as an embodiment of hope for Nigeria’s energy sector and economic sovereignty. and Self-Sufficiency.
“The Dangote Refinery is poised to transform Nigeria from a net importer to a net exporter of refined petroleum products. This shift will drastically reduce the nation’s dependency on imported fuels, saving billions of dollars annually in foreign exchange. By harnessing local crude oil resources, the refinery will ensure a stable and self-sufficient energy supply, thereby strengthening national security and economic resilience.
“The construction and operation of the Dangote Refinery have already created thousands of jobs for Nigerian engineers, technicians, and labourers. As the refinery becomes fully operational, it will generate even more employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, across the entire value chain. This massive job creation will alleviate unemployment and foster skill development among the youth, thereby uplifting communities and enhancing the overall standard of living.
Economic Diversification and Industrial Growth.
“The refinery will serve as a stimulus for industrialisation and economic diversification. By providing a steady and affordable supply of refined petroleum products, it will support the growth of various industries, including petrochemicals, plastics, textiles, and manufacturing. This diversification will reduce the economy’s vulnerability to oil price shocks and create a more balanced and resilient economic structure.
“Furthermore, the success of the Dangote Refinery is a demonstration of Nigeria’s potential as a viable investment destination. It will inspire confidence among foreign investors and multinationals, attracting additional foreign direct investments into the country. This influx of capital will spur further economic development, modernize infrastructure, and improve the overall investment climate.
“By refining petroleum products locally also, Nigeria can ensure a more reliable and secured energy supply, reducing the risks associated with global supply chain disruptions.
“Additionally, the Dangote Refinery’s state-of-the-art technology is designed to meet stringent environmental standards, minimizing emissions and contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy sector.
“It will equally act as a boost to National Revenue and Infrastructure Development. The refinery’s operations will significantly boost national revenue through taxes, royalties, and dividends. This increase in revenue will enable the government to invest more in critical infrastructure, such as roads, healthcare, and education, thereby improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“We call on Mr. President to remove this malignant influence on our economy, called Farouk Ahmed, or we will be forced to expose the government for its complicity. As we are set to occupy the National Headquarters of the NMDPRA and all its facilities (should Mr. President delay in acting with dispatch required of a national emergency, which this matter has become). We urge unemployed Nigerian youths and our allies to remain alert.
“We may have to occupy all identified properties and places associated with Farouk Ahmed, starting from his village. This man is the face of socioeconomic malignancy, and we must ensure his removal from the system and subsequent prosecution.”
