A formal whistleblower complaint has been filed against Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Authority Chief Executive Officer (ACE) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), citing serious allegations of corruption, favoritism, and systemic abuse of office.
The petition, which was made available to media outlets, accuses the NMDPRA leadership under Engr. Ahmed of undermining the principles of fairness, meritocracy, and institutional integrity—issues that the whistleblower claims have crippled the Authority’s effectiveness since 2022.
Central to the complaint are accusations of biased and selective staff promotions. The whistleblower asserts that Engr. Ahmed has consistently violated the Federal Character principle, promoting select individuals based on personal relationships rather than qualifications or merit.
“Staff who have followed due process are passed over, while favoured individuals are promoted—some without sitting for mandatory exams or meeting the required years of service,” the whistleblower alleged. “Promotions between 2022 to date must be urgently reviewed and investigated.”
The complaint also highlights a lack of transparency in staff evaluation procedures. Promotion criteria, according to the whistleblower, are allegedly changed arbitrarily to suit specific candidates. The computer-based tests (CBTs) administered to staff are said to be plagued by irregularities, with exam results often delivered days later via text message rather than announced immediately, raising questions about credibility.
“CBT results are not released transparently, and staff promotions are delayed intentionally to allow underqualified but well-connected staff to catch up,” the document reads. “Some even had their promotion histories retroactively adjusted under the guise of correcting entry errors.”
Another serious accusation is the alleged protection and elevation of staff with known histories of corruption. Such individuals are reportedly rewarded with choice postings, overseas training, and accelerated career advancement.
“This sends a dangerous message to the rest of the workforce—that unethical conduct is not only tolerated but rewarded,” the complaint warns.
In addition, the whistleblower claims that staff training opportunities are distributed based on favoritism and connections, particularly influenced by the legacy organizations that merged to form the NMDPRA. This, they argue, stifles staff development and contributes to low morale.
“Training programs are neither job-relevant nor equitably assigned. The HR department is deeply compromised, handpicking candidates for advancement while disregarding competence and seniority,” the report states.
Perhaps most alarming is the assertion that NMDPRA currently operates without a functioning organogram—a clear violation of the establishment Act. The absence of a structured operational hierarchy, the whistleblower claims, is a deliberate strategy to maintain control and promote impunity within the system.
“The current leadership structure is opaque, and this lack of transparency allows for unchecked corruption and manipulation of roles,” the complaint adds.
In conclusion, the whistleblower called on the Federal Government and relevant anti-corruption agencies to launch a full-scale investigation into the operations of the NMDPRA under Engr. Farouk Ahmed.
“If the government is serious about transforming the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, it must rescue NMDPRA from its current leadership and management,” the complaint concluded.