By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Coalition for Transparency (CT) has called for the immediate resignation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), over allegations of unexplained wealth used to fund his children’s elite education abroad.
In a press conference on Friday, the group demanded that Ahmed account for over $5.5 million spent on his four children’s secondary and tertiary education at some of the world’s most expensive institutions, a sum they claim is vastly disproportionate to his earnings as a career civil servant.
The CT alleges that Ahmed’s children—Faisal (Montreux), Farouk Jr., Ashraf (Aiglon College), Ashraf (Institut Le Rosey) and Farhana (La Garenne International School) – all elite Swiss boarding schools with annual costs per child ranging from $180,000 to $200,000.
In his address, Obinna Francis, CT’s convener, said that in over six years, this amounted to between $4.32 million and $4.8 million for secondary education alone.
Additional millions were reportedly spent on tertiary education, including a son’s recent Harvard degree, costing over $250,000 annually.
The coalition argues these figures are inexplicable for a public servant with no known investments, inheritance, or side ventures.
“Engr. Ahmed’s lavish spending is a dagger in the heart of Nigeria’s struggling masses,” said Francis said.
“While families scrounge for scraps, his children basked in institutions reserved for royalty and billionaires. His silence and vague claims of integrity are an insult to Nigerians.”
The group has petitioned the Attorney-General and urged the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch a thorough investigation into Ahmed’s finances.
They demand that he disclose his assets and prove the legitimacy of his wealth or resign immediately.
“This is a litmus test for President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption commitment,” Francis added. “Ahmed’s refusal to explain undermines faith in our institutions.”
The CT described the scandal as a “national outrage,” calling on journalists, activists, and citizens to demand accountability.
“If Ahmed cannot explain how he bankrolled Swiss schools and Harvard degrees, he has no place in public office,” Francis declared.
The coalition vowed to persist until justice is served, warning, “Step down or be dragged down—your time is up.”
