A coalition of civil society organisations and anti-corruption advocates has announced plans to stage a peaceful nationwide protest on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, calling for the investigation of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, over allegations of corruption and regulatory misconduct.
The groups, under the banner of various accountability coalitions, said the coordinated protest would take place in Abuja and Lagos, with demonstrators converging on the National Assembly and the headquarters of the NMDPRA. They are urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an independent probe in line with the administration’s stated commitment to transparency and accountability in public office.
According to the organisers, the protest is themed “End the Sabotage: Protect Our Refineries” and is aimed at drawing attention to what they describe as troubling regulatory decisions in the downstream petroleum sector.
They allege that approvals for large volumes of fuel import licences, despite the growth of local refining capacity, have continued to favour importation over domestic production, a situation they claim undermines local investors and prolongs Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
The coalition also raised concerns over allegations of personal extravagance attributed to the NMDPRA chief. The organisers referenced comments they said were made by Africa’s leading industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, during a recent media interaction at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki.
According to the organisers, Dangote was quoted as questioning how a public official could afford what he described as an expensive overseas education for his children.
The coalition, however, did not present documentary evidence to support the claims and said the matter should be subjected to investigation by relevant authorities.Convener of the Citizens Against Corruption Coalition (CACC), Dr. Kenneth Emea, said the planned rally was intended to defend national economic interests and protect strategic investments in the energy sector.
“President Tinubu has consistently spoken about renewal and accountability. We believe these allegations, whether proven or not, deserve a transparent investigation,” Emea said. “Public confidence in regulatory institutions is critical, especially in a sector as vital as petroleum.”
Also speaking, Engr. Ibrahim Husseini, who said he represents refinery workers and youth groups, noted that the protest reflects growing public frustration over fuel prices and employment challenges in the downstream sector.
“This rally is about giving voice to ordinary Nigerians who feel the impact of policy decisions daily—from fuel costs to job losses. We are calling for oversight, accountability and reforms in the downstream regulatory framework,” he said.
The organisers disclosed that the Abuja protest would commence at 10:00 a.m., with a peaceful march from Unity Fountain to the National Assembly, where petitions are expected to be submitted to the leadership of both chambers.
A simultaneous protest is scheduled to take place in Lagos at the NMDPRA headquarters in Ikoyi.The organisers said similar demonstrations will also be held in Kano, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and other major cities across the country.
Participants have been advised to dress in white to symbolise transparency, while security agencies have reportedly been notified to ensure the demonstration remains peaceful and orderly.
The coalition further called on Nigerians across professional, business and student groups, including those in the diaspora, to support the rally, stressing that regulatory accountability is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s energy future.
Efforts to reach Engr. Farouk Ahmed and the management of the NMDPRA for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
