MEDI Applauds Tinubu’s Swift Action as NMDPRA, NUPRC Chiefs Resign, Urges Reversal of Divestment Policies

The MIIDEEKOR Environmental Development Initiative-MEDI, a leading advocate for environmental justice and sustainable development in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities, warmly welcomes the resignations of Engineer Farouk Ahmed as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Engr. Gbenga Komolafe as Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive action in accepting these resignations and promptly nominating seasoned professionals, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as CEO of NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of NMDPRA, for Senate confirmation. This leadership transition presents a vital opportunity to restore integrity, transparency, and national interest in the regulation of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

MEDI extends profound gratitude to Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, for his courageous exposure of deep-rooted fraud and corruption within the regulatory agencies. Mr. Dangote’s bold allegations of sabotage, conflicting interests, and undue favoritism toward imported substandard petroleum products have spotlighted systemic issues that undermine local refining capacity and Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.

His actions have catalyzed this necessary change and reaffirmed the power of patriotic voices in combating graft.
As an organization dedicated to protecting the environment and livelihoods of Niger Delta communities devastated by decades of oil pollution, MEDI calls on the incoming chief executives to immediately review and reverse all divestment policies and orders implemented under the previous leadership.

These policies have facilitated the exit of international oil companies from onshore assets without adequate remediation of legacy pollution, leaving host communities burdened with contaminated lands, waterways, and health crises. Robust enforcement of environmental safeguards must be prioritized to ensure that divestments do not perpetuate injustice or evade accountability.
Furthermore, we urge all well-meaning Nigeria citizens, civil society, business leaders, and public officials, to remain vigilant and speak out against corruption wherever it emerges. Protecting our nation demands collective courage; silence in the face of graft betrays our shared future and the environment we all depend on.
MEDI remains committed to advocating for transparent, environmentally responsible petroleum governance that prioritizes the well-being of Nigerians and sustainable development.

Comrade Celestine AkpoBari
Team Lead; MIIDEEKOR Environmental Development Initiative – MEDI