By Okeke Okechi
The South-East Youth Vanguard for Good Governance (SEYVGO), a coalition of civil society group, Monday, bemoaned the corruption in Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) which according to them had imposed hardship on the populace.
SEYVGO at a press conference held at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka, Anambra State, also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by sacking the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NMDPRA, Mr Farouk Ahmed, over alleged grand and administrative corruption.
The National Coordinator, SEYVGO, Comrade Chuks Obele Favour, while reading the statement was flanked by others such as the National Secretary of the coalition, Comrade Aligwekwe Udochukwu; Comrade Chukwuemeka Desmond, National Coordinator, Greater Anambra Initiative; Comrade Godwin Otu, executive member; Comrade Ihegbu Chibuzor, stakeholder; Comrade Okoroji Uzodimma; Chinwendu Okehie, member; and Chiamaka Okafor, Founder, Stand Up for Whom You are organisation.
They alleged that corruption in the petroleum regulatory authority was behind the fuel scarcity, including severe hardships on ordinary citizens, exacerbating already high cost of living, and "raised serious questions about the transparency in the management of the local oil production by the midstream and downstream petroleum regulation authority which has led to a significant increase in the cost of transportation, affecting livelihoods of Nigerians, particularly those in low-income brackets."
They added that households, small and medium enterprises alike were also facing higher running costs as a result of "grand corruption allegedly perpetrated by the midstream and downstream sector, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to meet their basic needs."
According to them, "it is unacceptable that the so-called largest oil producer and exporter on the continent has continued to grapple with fuel scarcity due to a combination of factors, including inadequate refinery capacity, continuous pipeline vandalism, inadequate infrastructure, grand and administrative corruption.
“These challenges have persisted for decades, and one expects that the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration will address the perennial crisis. The open sabotage of local oil production in Nigeria by Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulation Authority Mr. Farouk Ahmed must not go unpunished."
The youth also restated that "dealing with the malaise of corruption in the oil and gas sector may appear complex and intractable when the management lacks transparency and accountability in managing the affairs of all oil business activities in Nigeria (from seismic survey, development, production, transportation, refining, marketing, etc).
"No wonder, recent revelation shows that there is an abuse of administrative office to extract illegal benefits in exchange for approval covering a wide range of commercial and operational activities. It is therefore suggested that Mr. Farouk Ahmed and all culprits in any form in the midstream and downstream petroleum regulation authority should immediately be investigated, dismissed and if found guilty imprisoned as this will serve as deterrent to others and the issue of “Plea Bargain” should not be allowed or permitted in any form."
They also alleged that NMDPRA has demonstrated its disdain for the establishment of local oil production, overstepped its regulatory bounds, thereby undermining "the products of our own indigenous Dangote Refinery."
"This is a blatant act of national economic sabotage that must be defeated. And this is why his immediate dismissal and investigation has become inevitable. We therefore call on Mr President to take urgent action now.
"While addressing the negative impact of certain individuals and cartels, it is crucial to also highlight and celebrate the positive contributions that indigenous transformative projects can bring to our nation.
"The Dangote Group, under the visionary leadership of Aliko Dangote, has continually set benchmarks for economic and industrial growth in Nigeria and Africa. With diversified interests spanning cement, sugar, salt, and pasta production, the Group has significantly contributed to job creation, infrastructure development, and national revenue generation.
"Among its most ambitious projects is the Dangote Refinery, which stands as an embodiment of hope for Nigeria's energy sector and economic sovereignty and Self-Sufficiency.
The Dangote Refinery is poised to transform Nigeria from a net importer to a net exporter of refined petroleum products.
"This shift will drastically reduce the nation's dependency on imported fuels, saving billions of dollars annually in foreign exchange. By harnessing local crude oil resources, the refinery will ensure a stable and self-sufficient energy supply, thereby strengthening national security and economic resilience.
"The construction and operation of the Dangote Refinery have already created thousands of jobs for Nigerian engineers, technicians, and labourers. As the refinery becomes fully operational, it will generate even more employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, across the entire value chain.
" This massive job creation will alleviate unemployment and foster skill development among the youth, thereby uplifting communities and enhancing the overall standard of living.
Economic Diversification and Industrial Growth.
"The refinery will serve as a stimulus for industrialisation and economic diversification. By providing a steady and affordable supply of refined petroleum products, it will support the growth of various industries, including petrochemicals, plastics, textiles, and manufacturing. This diversification will reduce the economy's vulnerability to oil price shocks and create a more balanced and resilient economic structure."