Young professionals apologise to NMDPRA boss over corruption allegation

*Says our sponsors did not have evidence

The Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria (YPFN) has apologised to the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed over its calls demanding his removal from office.

In a letter of apology dated June 29, 2025, the group said it regrets its action which was premised on empirical fact.

A statement signed by the spokesperson of the group, Comrade Attahiru Adamu said: “We, the undersigned representatives of YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FORUM OF NIGERIA, hereby issue this formal retraction and unreserved apology to the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Nigerian public, and global stakeholders for our previous involvement in protests demanding his suspension over allegations of corruption.”

The Young Professionals Forum explained that after a thorough introspection and further engagement with stakeholders, including the inability of its sponsors to provide verifiable evidence to substantiate the allegations, we acknowledge that our actions were misguided, politically motivated, and unjustly targeted an innocent public servant dedicated to the progress of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream energy sub-sector.”

The group hinted that its retraction is based on a lack of evidence and misjudgment of Engr. Ahmed’s integrity and solidarity with the truth.

It added: Lack of Evidence: Our initial demands were based on unsubstantiated claims and hearsay, which our investigations and the inability of our backers to provide proof have since been exposed as baseless. Misjudgment of Engr. Ahmed’s Integrity: We recognize that Engr. Farouk Ahmed has demonstrated commendable leadership in driving transparency, regulatory efficiency, and sectoral reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. His stewardship aligns with the national interest, and our protests unjustly maligned his reputation. Apology to Nigerians: We deeply regret misleading the public and creating unnecessary tension. Our actions were exploited by vested interests seeking to undermine the NMDPRA’s progress, and we take full responsibility for this error in judgment. Solidarity with the Truth: We commend the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) League of Civil Society Groups, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), empowerment for unemployed youth initiative, as well as other credible voices who earlier retracted their stance and exposed the political motives behind these protests. We align ourselves with their commitment to factual, evidence-based advocacy.”

The group insisted that in its commitments to accountability and moving forward, it pledged to uphold the highest standards of due diligence before endorsing or participating in any public campaigns.

“To support, rather than sabotage, institutions and individuals working diligently for national development; to engage constructively with regulators like the NMDPRA to foster understanding of their policies and operations.

“We extend our sincere apologies to *Engr. Farouk Ahmed*, President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and all Nigerians for this unfortunate episode. We dissociate ourselves entirely from the smear campaign against the NMDPRA CEO and urge the public to disregard our earlier statements. Nigeria’s progress requires unity, not divisive propaganda. We remain committed to the nation’s development and will henceforth champion only verified causes that align with the national development,” it said.

The apology letter was copied to the Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission, Code of Conduct Bureau, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Media Houses and Civil Society Partners.