Northern youths urge Tinubu to sack NMDPRA boss

Northern youths have written to President Tinubu, urging him to sack the NMDPRA boss. Learn more about their demands and the reasons behind them.

An open letter was addressed to President Bola Tinubu by the Coalition of Northern Youths Organization, urging for the removal of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, CEO of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Ahmed was given a seven-day ultimatum by the northern youths, demanding his resignation or else they would engage in mass action.

As a result of its handling of the importation and regulation of petroleum products, the Authority faces scrutiny which has led to demands.

Muhammed Saad Aboki, the spokesperson for the coalition, has signed an open letter claiming that Ahmed is accused of various offenses. Among them are economic sabotage related to importing petroleum products with dangerous levels of unsafe substances.

The organization wrote a letter expressing their resolution to call for the dismissal of Engineer Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), with a heavy heart.

After conducting a comprehensive and extensive evaluation of recent events involving the Chief Executive Officer, we deemed it necessary to list several allegations leveled against him.

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He, being the CEO of a regulatory body in the oil and gas industry, granted licenses to several traders who frequently import diesel containing high levels of sulphur (approximately 1800ppm and 2000ppm) into Nigeria. Despite knowing that such products present significant health hazards and result in substantial financial losses for the country.

The dissemination of heedless and unverified proclamations without conducting any preliminary inquiry triggered nationwide outrage, fueling additional unease in the country amidst ongoing protests against the Government.

The intentional defiance of section 109 of the Petroleum Industry Act, which implemented the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation to facilitate unimpeded allocation of crude supplies to local refineries.

The individual is suspected of owning a refinery/blending plant in Malta, leading to their persisting demand for fuel importation. This action could be construed as committing economic sabotage since the imported products have been found to contain hazardous substances at alarming levels.

The Chief Executive Officer of a regulatory body is accused of misconduct and leveraging their position to impede the operations and survival of local refineries. This action ultimately reduces demand for foreign currency, strengthens the Naira, but it was masked under the guise that these refineries produced substandard products despite evidence suggesting imported goods were actually inferior.

The letter stated that due to the regrettable and disgraceful situation, the Coalition of Northern Youths has collectively agreed to demand Engineer Farouk Ahmed’s dismissal. This will enable a neutral platform for conducting an unbiased inquiry into the multiple allegations raised against him. The group firmly believes that only by removing his influence can a thorough investigation be conducted without hindrance or partiality in any way.

“Sir, I’m sure you agree that it’s crucial we begin penalizing those guilty of bribery, corruption, unprofessionalism and incompetence. This is not only necessary as a deterrent but also in alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to build a greater Nigeria.”

Amidst this scenario, the Coalition of Northern Youth Organization urges Nigerians to gather and take over NMDPRA headquarters every day starting from Wednesday, 28th August 2024. They demand Engr Farouk Ahmed’s resignation or termination for causing distress among Nigerian citizens and provoking them against President Bola Tinubu’s revamped hope agenda.