A coalition of lawyers and civil rights activists on Thursday staged a protest at both the United States and Swiss Embassies in Abuja, demanding urgent international attention over alleged corruption involving Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The demonstrators, operating under the banner of the Concerned Young Professionals Network, were led by Barrister Aquila Kendo, who also serves as the group’s national coordinator. They handed over a formal petition addressed to the ambassadors of both countries, requesting that diplomatic measures be taken to address what they described as “glaring abuse of office and diversion of public resources” by Ahmed.
The group alleged that the NMDPRA boss had enriched himself and his close associates through illicit use of government funds, worsening Nigeria’s battle against entrenched corruption.
In the document signed by Kendo, the protesters pointed out that the systemic rot allegedly fuelled by Ahmed’s actions has translated into widespread suffering across the country — with millions of children out of school, women unable to access proper medical care, and pensioners struggling without their entitlements.
“Corruption has deeply eroded the soul and conscience of this nation,” the letter noted, calling for joint citizen and international action to reverse the trend. They called on the US Embassy to lead by example by imposing visa restrictions on Ahmed and his family members to compel a meaningful response from Nigerian authorities.
The protesters argued that such steps would send a strong message, not only to Ahmed but also to other public officers, about the consequences of abusing office for personal gain.
“We’re appealing to the conscience of the international community, especially the United States, to lend strength to our demand for justice,” Kendo told journalists during the protest.
“Farouk Ahmed must be investigated and held responsible. International action is necessary at this point,” he added.
Originally, the petition had been presented to Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies. However, due to what the group described as official inaction and deliberate delay, they decided to escalate the matter to foreign missions in hopes of stronger pressure and a broader spotlight on the allegations.
The protesters said the ongoing situation reflected “reckless impunity by those meant to protect the public interest” and insisted that immediate steps must be taken to restore public confidence in government agencies like the NMDPRA.
They remained defiant in their resolve, stating that their campaign would not stop until those accused of wrongdoing are brought to book and transparency is restored to the management of Nigeria’s oil sector.
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