…..Calls for Policy on Domestic Schooling for Officials’ Children

The Civil Society Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent action over corruption allegations leveled against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed.

In a press statement signed by its representative, Amb. Agbonkpolor Splendor on Monday, the group expressed deep concern over claims made by Africa’s foremost industrialist and founder of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, alleging that the NMDPRA boss spent about five million United States dollars on secondary school education for his four children in Switzerland over a six-year period.

CBIAMEC said the allegation, which was reportedly made by Dangote during a media briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lekki, Lagos, raises serious ethical and integrity questions, particularly given Nigeria’s current economic challenges and widespread public distrust in governance.

The group noted that such expenditure appears inconsistent with the known earnings of a public servant, especially one heading a key regulatory agency in the petroleum sector. According to CBIAMEC, regulatory institutions are expected to operate at the highest standards of transparency and accountability, warning that any perception of personal enrichment could undermine public confidence and the credibility of the NMDPRA.

CBIAMEC also aligned with Dangote’s reference to his own children attending secondary schools in Nigeria, describing it as a moral example that highlights the possibility of quality education within the country when leaders are committed to strengthening local institutions.

Beyond the specific allegations, the civil society group called for the introduction of a clear national policy requiring children of government officials and political appointees to attend primary and secondary schools in Nigeria, except in clearly justified and transparent circumstances. It argued that such a policy would strengthen confidence in the nation’s education system, reduce capital flight through foreign school fees, encourage investment in local institutions, and promote patriotism and shared national responsibility.

On the allegations against the NMDPRA CEO, CBIAMEC urged President Tinubu to immediately relieve Mr. Ahmed of his position pending a full, independent, and transparent investigation. The group stressed that allowing officials facing serious allegations to remain in sensitive offices weakens Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

According to the statement, decisive action by the President would reaffirm his administration’s commitment to accountability, restore public confidence, and send a strong signal that no public official is above scrutiny.

CBIAMEC reaffirmed its commitment to civic engagement, budget transparency, and the protection of public interest, adding that it would continue to monitor developments and engage relevant authorities to ensure accountability and justice.

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.”