More than 50 civil society organisations (CSOs) have publicly defended the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed, rejecting corruption allegations attributed to the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Aliko Dangote.

The organisations, speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja on Monday, described the allegations as unfounded and lacking supporting evidence. They argued that the claims were intended to undermine the leadership of the NMDPRA amid regulatory actions affecting the midstream and downstream petroleum sector.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the coalition, the Convener, Comrade Ibrahim Bello—who also serves as National Coordinator of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI)—said the groups had reviewed the allegations and found no factual basis to support claims of wrongdoing against the NMDPRA chief.

According to Bello, the coalition’s assessment indicated that Ahmed’s leadership has focused on strengthening regulatory transparency, promoting competition, and ensuring compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The CSOs also addressed claims attributed to Dangote alleging that the NMDPRA CEO paid $5 million in school fees for his children in Switzerland. They maintained that no verifiable evidence had been presented to substantiate the allegation.

The coalition warned that making serious accusations through the media without recourse to due process could weaken public confidence in regulatory institutions and undermine ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector.

Several civil society leaders endorsed the position, including representatives of Citizens Watch for Good Governance, the Accountability and Democratic Values Initiative, the Nigerian Coalition Against Corruption and Waste, the Voice of Conscience Foundation, and other groups drawn from different regions of the country.

According to the CSOs, criticisms directed at the NMDPRA leadership may be linked to the agency’s enforcement of regulatory standards and its stance against practices perceived as capable of limiting competition in the downstream petroleum industry.

The coalition reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging individuals or organisations with grievances to pursue established legal and institutional channels rather than engaging in public accusations.

They called on Nigerians and stakeholders in the petroleum sector to await the outcome of any formal investigations and appealed to the Federal Government to continue to support the independence of regulatory agencies.

The CSOs concluded by expressing confidence in Ahmed’s leadership, stating that his tenure has contributed to improved regulatory credibility and increased stakeholder confidence in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector.

The APC National Solidarity Vanguard has showered encomiums on the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for his outstanding leadership and political sagacity that have engineered a massive defection of key Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Moses Aruwa, the Vanguard described Matawalle as an exemplary leader whose good governance credentials and commitment to inclusive democracy continue to attract political heavyweights to the ruling party.

“Matawalle has proven beyond doubt that leadership is about service, vision and the ability to unite people for a common purpose,” Aruwa stated.

“His selfless drive to reposition Zamfara State and align it fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has made him a magnet for progressive-minded politicians across party lines.”

The latest defection that has sent ripples across the state’s political landscape involved Hon. Sadiq Abubakar Ciroma, the PDP Chairman in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, who was formally received into the APC by Minister Matawalle on Friday.

Aruwa praised Matawalle’s warm reception of the decampees, noting that it reflected his large-heartedness and belief in inclusive politics.

“When Dr. Matawalle said the APC needs people like Hon. Ciroma who play politics with vision and sound judgement, he was speaking from a place of deep conviction,” Aruwa remarked.

“Matawalle himself embodies that vision – he assesses leadership accurately and takes bold decisions that benefit the masses, and that is why thousands are trooping to join him.”

The Vanguard leader further highlighted the growing dominance of the APC in Zamfara as a direct result of Matawalle’s sterling performance as leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the state.

“What we are witnessing is not ordinary defection; it is a mass exodus driven by the irresistible appeal of good governance under Matawalle’s guidance,” Aruwa declared.

“From lawmakers to local government chairmen, PDP stalwarts are daily joining forces with him because they have seen that the future of Zamfara and Nigeria lies with the progressive vision he champions.”

Aruwa also commended Matawalle’s loyalty to President Tinubu, saying it has inspired confidence among party members and new entrants alike.

“Matawalle is not only delivering dividends of democracy in Zamfara; he is building a solid platform to deliver Mr. President convincingly in 2027,” he asserted.

“His inclusive approach ensures that every new member feels valued and empowered to contribute to this noble cause.”

The statement emphasised that the continuous influx of PDP members into the APC attestation to Matawalle’s ability to foster unity and peace in a once-restive state

. “Dr. Bello Matawalle has transformed Zamfara into a bastion of peace, progress and political harmony,” Aruwa enthused.

“Politicians of goodwill are aligning with him because they know that under his leadership, Zamfara will continue to enjoy unprecedented development and remain a stronghold for the APC.”

Aruwa called on other opposition members still contemplating their political future to follow the example of Hon. Ciroma and join the moving train.

“The APC under Matawalle’s stewardship offers equal opportunities, respect and genuine commitment to the welfare of the people,” he concluded.

“We are proud to identify with this exceptional leader who is writing a new chapter of prosperity for Zamfara State.”

Nigeria’s push for greater indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry received a significant boost this week as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) showcased a series of milestones, including the takeover of major industrial assets and the expansion of local capacity across key energy hubs.

A major highlight was the acquisition of Saipem’s Nigerian operations by Marconi NG EPC — a development the NCDMB described as a landmark in the country’s local content journey.

According to the board, the transition of the world-class Port Harcourt fabrication yard into Nigerian ownership demonstrates that local firms now possess both the technical expertise and financial capacity to manage complex engineering and construction projects.

During a media tour of the facility, NCDMB officials spotlighted the one-million-square-metre yard, which features fabrication units, jetties and a helipad. They said the acquisition signals that Nigerian companies can now compete at global scale and marks an important step in reducing decades of foreign dominance in major oil and gas infrastructure.

The tour also highlighted growing indigenous capacity across the South-South region. Journalists visited PE Energy Limited, a Nigerian energy solutions provider serving the oil and gas, power and process industries, as well as Bunorr Integrated Energy Limited, a local firm converting used engine oil into base oil and other eco-friendly by-products.

Bunorr’s management credited NCDMB’s equity investment with helping the company attract partners, strengthen credibility and upgrade its operations.

While commending the board’s hands-on engagement and financing support, the companies urged the government to address persistent power challenges that raise production costs for local manufacturers.

NCDMB said the tour was part of its broader effort to showcase real-time progress in industrial development and deepen public understanding of local content achievements.

The General Manager, Corporate Communications at NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, described the media tour as a maiden initiative designed to help journalists better understand industry operations and enhance stakeholder engagement.