The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to swiftly probe allegations of corruption at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

In a statement on Monday, SERAP called on the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to carry out a joint investigation, uncover those involved, recover any illicit proceeds, and enforce accountability.

The call follows public claims by Dangote Group President and CEO, Aliko Dangote, who questioned NMDPRA’s licensing processes and alleged personal spending by the agency’s chief executive.

SERAP specifically called on the agencies to invite the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, for questioning over allegations that the authority arbitrarily grants licences for the importation of petroleum products from Russia.

The group also cited claims that Ahmed allegedly spent about $5 million on the secondary school education of four of his children in Switzerland, urging a comprehensive investigation into the source of the funds.

According to SERAP, probing the allegations would strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s natural resources, especially in the oil and gas sector.

“The anticorruption agencies should jointly and urgently invite the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed to explain the allegations that NMDPRA arbitrarily issues licences for the importation of petroleum products from Russia and that he spent $5 million on the secondary school education of four of his children in Switzerland and for interrogation and questioning over the allegations,” SERAP stated.

The rights group cited Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which obliges the Nigerian state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power.

It also pointed to Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which mandates effective and proportionate sanctions for corruption-related offences.

According to SERAP, investigating the allegations would align with Nigeria’s domestic anti-corruption laws as well as its international commitments. The organisation further urged President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to guarantee protection for Mr. Dangote as a whistleblower, in line with Article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption.

SERAP maintained that Dangote’s disclosures are in the public interest and should be protected from any form of retaliation or unjustified treatment.

“The allegations by Mr. Aliko Dangote amount to public interest disclosures and can contribute to strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s natural wealth and resources,” the organisation said.