The Coalition for Transparency (CT) has called on Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to publicly declare his assets.
In a press conference held Friday in Abuja, CT’s convener, Obinna Francis, alleged that Ahmed spent over $5.5 million on the foreign education of his four children.
The group insists the amount is grossly inconsistent with the earnings of a public official.
The group detailed that Ahmed’s children were enrolled in some of the world’s most expensive schools, including Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and La Garenne International School in Switzerland, with annual fees ranging between $180,000 and $200,000.
One of the children also reportedly obtained a degree from Harvard University, where total expenses are estimated at $250,000 per year.
“Declare your assets and explain the source of this obscene wealth. This level of spending cannot be justified by a civil servant’s income. The public deserves transparency,” Francis said.
The coalition said it had submitted petitions to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), ICPC, and EFCC, calling for an investigation into Ahmed’s financial records and asset declarations.
“Engr. Ahmed must either prove the legitimacy of his wealth or resign immediately. His silence is insulting to millions of Nigerians struggling to send their children to public schools with no chairs or chalk,” Francis said.
Describing the case as a “litmus test” for President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption stance, CT urged the government not to shield any official found to be living far beyond their means.
“This is not just about one man, it’s about the integrity of our public service. If Engr. Ahmed cannot come clean, he must step down or be removed,” Francis added.
