Two Nigerian student unions have withdrawn their calls for protests against the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, and the National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS had initially, in separate petitions, demanded the resignation of NMDPRA CEO, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, over alleged mismanagement of public funds, job and contract racketeering, and abuse of office.
In the petitions dated May 27, 2025, they threatened to mobilize millions of students across the country to protest against the NMDPRA leadership.
NANS had slated June 4-5, 2025, for a clarification visit to the NMDPRA headquarters, while NAPS set June 12, 2025, as the date for the planned protest.
However, in a sudden reversal, both unions have withdrawn their demands and protest notices.
In a letter dated June 2, 2025, NANS through its, Public Relations Officer, Comrade Opeyemi Samson Ajasa, apologized for any inconvenience caused by its earlier statement, citing further investigations and engagements with stakeholders that revealed the allegations were based on unverified information.
“We have discovered that the issues raised in our earlier correspondence are unfounded, misleading, and do not accurately reflect the true state of affairs within the agency.
“We wish to reaffirm our readiness to collaborate with Engr. Farouk Ahmed and the NMDPRA to bridge the communication gap between the youth and student constituency and the agency.
“We understand that our earlier letter was based on incomplete information, and we regret any harm it may have caused.
“We are committed to working with the NMDPRA leadership to ensure that our concerns are addressed in a constructive and peaceful manner,” the letter said.
NANS noted that it is committed to upholding the values of truth, fairness, and constructive engagement.
“We believe that dialogue and cooperation are essential in resolving issues, and we are willing to work with the NMDPRA leadership to achieve this goal,” Ajasa added.
Similarly, NAPS withdrew its protest notice in a letter dated May 3, 2025, signed by Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan.
The union cited the need for constructive dialogue and responsible engagement with the NMDPRA leadership, rather than resorting to protests.
“We believe that protests should be a last resort, and we are willing to engage with the NMDPRA leadership to resolve our concerns.
“We are committed to seeking truth and justice, and we will work with the NMDPRA leadership to ensure that our concerns are addressed.
“As student leaders, we have a responsibility to our members to ensure that their interests are protected and promoted.
“We will continue to engage with the NMDPRA leadership to ensure that our concerns are addressed in a constructive and peaceful manner.
“NAPS is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public institutions.
“We will continue to work with the NMDPRA leadership to ensure that our concerns are addressed and that the interests of our members are protected,” Oghayan said.
NANS, NAPS make u-turn on NMDPRA protest, cite unverified information
