The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, has publicly disassociated himself from a statement circulating in his name that appeared to respond to recent allegations made by Aliko Dangote. Mr. Ahmed clarified in a disclaimer that the purported statement did not originate from him and that he chooses not to engage in public disputes.

Ahmed acknowledged awareness of the “wild and spurious allegations” leveled against him and his family, as well as the public attention they have garnered. He expressed gratitude that the accuser has escalated the matter to a formal investigative institution, which he believes will provide a platform for a dispassionate examination of the issues and a clearing of his name.

Aliko Dangote, president and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, recently accused Mr. Ahmed of economic sabotage, alleging that the NMDPRA chief is undermining domestic refining efforts in Nigeria. Dangote claimed that NMDPRA leadership colludes with international traders and importers, issuing import licenses that hinder local refining operations.

During a press conference at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Dangote further alleged that Mr. Ahmed lives beyond his means, citing substantial expenditures on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. These claims have raised significant questions regarding potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of regulatory oversight within Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

Dangote expanded his accusations to include corruption and misappropriation of public funds, providing estimated figures for his children’s overseas education. He detailed expenses for secondary and tertiary education, including a specific amount for a Harvard MBA program, suggesting a significant financial disparity with his known income.

In response to these allegations, Dangote formally submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) through his lawyer. The petition calls for Mr. Ahmed’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution, citing the alleged expenditure of over $7 million for his children’s education without evidence of lawful income.

The petition, addressed to the ICPC Chairman, provides the names of the children, their respective schools, and specific financial figures for verification. It highlights section 19 of the ICPC Act, which empowers the commission to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices, with potential penalties including a five-year jail term.

Dangote has publicly stated his availability to provide evidence supporting his claims and urged the ICPC to act decisively. The ICPC has confirmed receipt of the petition, indicating that an investigation into the allegations against the NMDPRA chief executive is underway.

Civil society groups have also voiced concerns and called for thorough scrutiny of the allegations. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges and scrutiny faced by regulatory bodies in sensitive sectors like petroleum, particularly when allegations of financial impropriety emerge.

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Keywords: NMDPRA CEO, Farouk Ahmed, Aliko Dangote, Dangote allegations, economic sabotage, corruption, ICPC petition, petroleum regulatory authority