FORMAL PETITION ON ALLEGED IRREGULARITIES, PROMOTION INJUSTICES, TRAINING INEQUITIES, AND THE REINSTATEMENT OF FORMER EXECUTIVES IN THE NIGERIAN MIDSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM REGULATORY AUTHORITY (NMDPRA)
We write this petition with utmost respect and a deep sense of responsibility on behalf of the concerned members regarding several issues currently affecting staff morale, institutional integrity, transparency, and operational efficiency within the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The inconsistency in the leadership of the NMDPRA is becoming worrisome. Although, there’s lots of optimism in the current leadership of the Authority Chief by the staff of the authority and the general public. We trust that the new appointed Authority Chief Executive, Mr. Rabi’u Abdullahi Umar will give this complaint the attention it deserves and take appropriate action in the interest of justice, transparency, and national development for the successful realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).
A group under the umbrella of Civil Society for Good Governance and Transparency has submitted a formal petition alleging irregularities in staff promotion exercises, training allocations, and human resource management within the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), calling for an independent investigation and administrative review.
The petition, addressed to the Authority’s leadership under the new Chief Executive, Mr. Rabi’u Abdullahi Umar, also commended ongoing reforms but raised concerns about what it described as “inconsistencies in leadership practices” affecting staff morale, institutional integrity, and operational efficiency.
According to the petition, staff members have expressed dissatisfaction with recent promotion exercises, alleging a lack of transparency, fairness, and adherence to public service guidelines.
The group claimed that qualified employees have experienced delays in promotion despite meeting requirements, while also alleging favoritism, unequal treatment, and insufficient clarity in promotion criteria and outcomes.
It argued that such practices have contributed to declining morale and uncertainty within the agency.
The petition further raised concerns about the reported reinstatement or return of some former executive directors who exited alongside a previous Authority Chief Executive.
While acknowledging the importance of fair hearing and due process, the petitioners urged that any reinstatement process should be transparent, legally justified, and consistent with governance standards to maintain public confidence in the regulatory body.
The group also alleged irregularities in staff training and capacity-building programs, claiming that opportunities for local and international training were repeatedly allocated to a small group of staff while others were excluded.
It called for the publication of clear selection criteria and a more equitable distribution of professional development opportunities.
A significant portion of the petition focused on the Administration and Human Resources Directorate of the NMDPRA, alleging bias, favoritism, and excessive concentration of decision-making powers.
The petition called for an independent review of the directorate’s operations to determine compliance with federal civil service regulations and principles of fairness, accountability, and meritocracy.
Demands for Investigation and Reform
Among its key requests, the group urged:
An independent investigation into promotion exercises over recent years
A full audit of training nominations and sponsorships
A review of HR policies and workplace practices
An assessment of staff welfare and grievance mechanisms
A transparent review of any reinstatement of former executives
Corrective action where irregularities are established
Strengthening of oversight and accountability systems
Call for Institutional Confidence
The petitioners said their concerns are not intended to malign individuals but to strengthen institutional integrity and improve efficiency within the petroleum regulatory system.
They expressed support for national development efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” urging leadership within the sector to address the issues in the interest of transparency and good governance.
The petition concludes by calling for urgent intervention to restore staff confidence and ensure fairness across all administrative processes within the agency.
