Several employees of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities, delays, and lack of transparency in the agency’s staff promotion process.
In a formal complaint, the aggrieved staff accused the Authority’s leadership of mishandling promotion procedures, describing the situation as unjust and demoralising. They claimed that promotion examinations conducted over two years ago during the tenure of former Chief Executive, Faruk Ahmed, have yet to be fully implemented.
According to the workers, the prolonged delay has created widespread dissatisfaction within the organisation, with many questioning the credibility of the process.
The petition also alleged that certain officials within the Authority are favouring selected individuals for promotion, regardless of merit or qualification. Staff members claimed that some “anointed” candidates are being positioned for advancement while others who met the required criteria are sidelined.
More troubling allegations include claims that officials involved in organising the Computer-Based Test (CBT) exams accepted bribes amounting to ₦50 million from select candidates to manipulate scores and guarantee success. The staff further noted that the 2024 CBT promotional exam deviated from standard practice, as results were not released immediately after completion but were instead delayed by several days, raising suspicion about the integrity of the exercise.
The employees also criticised what they described as a failure to uphold the Federal Character principle and other national guidelines meant to ensure fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in public service appointments.
In a call to action, the aggrieved workers urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, and the current NMDPRA Chief Executive, Sa’idu Aliyu Mohammed, to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter.
They insisted that qualified staff should be promoted based on already conducted examinations without being subjected to fresh tests, especially amid reports that some individuals may be promoted without participating in the CBT process.
The complaint was signed by Ayuba Danlami, National Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Government and General Administration Workers (NUGGAT), who emphasised the need for justice and transparency in the system.
