The MIIDEEKOR Environmental Development Initiative (MEDI), a civil society organisation (CSO), has praised Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, for exposing corruption and regulatory failures in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
In a statement issued on Thursday, MEDI, a leading advocate for environmental justice and sustainable development in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, said Dangote’s intervention paved the way for the resignation of the heads of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The group said Dangote’s allegations of sabotage, conflict of interest and undue favouritism towards imported substandard petroleum products have spotlighted systemic issues that undermine local refining capacity and Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.
MEDI noted that his actions have catalysed “this necessary change” and reaffirmed the power of patriotic voices in combating graft.
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The group said it welcomed the resignations of Farouk Ahmed, chief executive of NMDPRA, and Gbenga Komolafe, commission chief executive of NUPRC, describing their exit as a necessary step towards restoring transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.
Ahmed resigned as the CEO of NMDPRA after meeting with President Tinubu on Wednesday, following a series of allegations of economic sabotage and corruption levied against him by Dangote.
The group commended President Bola Tinubu for his swift action in accepting the duo’s resignations and nominating Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as chief executive of NUPRC and Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as chief executive of NMDPRA.
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According to MEDI, the leadership transition presents a vital opportunity to reposition the petroleum regulatory framework in line with national interest, transparency and ethical governance.
The group also called on the new chief executives to immediately review and reverse divestment policies implemented under the previous leadership, which it said enabled international oil companies to exit onshore assets without adequate remediation of environmental damage.
MEDI stated that such policies have left many Niger Delta communities burdened with polluted land, contaminated waterways and lingering health challenges, urging robust enforcement of environmental safeguards to ensure accountability.
It further urged civil society organisations, business leaders and public officials to remain vigilant and speak out against corruption, stressing that silence in the face of graft threatens Nigeria’s future and environmental sustainability.
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The group reaffirmed its commitment to advocating transparent, environmentally responsible petroleum governance that prioritises the welfare of Nigerians and sustainable development.
