A youth-focused civil society organization staged a demonstration at the headquarters of Nigeria's two major anti-corruption agencies on Wednesday, demanding immediate action on serious allegations against a top petroleum regulator.
Protesters Deliver Petition, Demand Action
The Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI) carried out a peaceful protest on December 17, 2025. Members gathered at the offices of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.
Their core demand was for both agencies to launch a swift and transparent investigation into the conduct of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed.
Dangote's Allegations Trigger Public Action
The protest was a direct response to a petition submitted to the ICPC earlier that day. The group stated the petition was prompted by public claims made by the President of Dangote Group Plc, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, concerning the leadership of the petroleum regulatory body.
Led by conveners Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince and Igwe Ude-Umenta, the protesters held placards with messages like "ICPC Must Act Now". They emphasized that the issue had generated significant public interest and required urgent clarity from authorities.
The group expressed concern over the lack of an official response from the implicated official hours after the petition was submitted. They described the silence as unsatisfactory given the gravity and national importance of the matter.
Calls for Transparency to Restore Public Trust
In a statement, EUYI highlighted the critical need for accountability, especially amidst Nigeria's economic challenges. "In a country grappling with serious economic challenges, any allegation touching on the conduct of public officials should be handled promptly and transparently by the appropriate institutions," the group asserted.
They clarified that their demand was not a declaration of guilt but a lawful call for investigation. The protest, they said, aimed not to undermine the anti-graft agencies but to encourage timely intervention that would strengthen public trust in governance.
"Nigeria continues to suffer the effects of corruption. Open and professional handling of issues involving public office holders is essential to restoring trust in public institutions," EUYI stated.
The organization pledged to continue its peaceful advocacy and engagement with relevant authorities until the matter is lawfully addressed.
As of the time of the protest, neither the ICPC nor the NMDPRA had issued an official statement. Attempts to get a comment from Engr. Farouk Ahmed were unsuccessful.
The protest follows earlier calls by political activist Timi Frank, who on December 16 urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the NMDPRA CEO and order a full investigation into the corruption allegations linked to Dangote's claims.
