By Ayomide Otitoju
Farouk Ahmed has resigned as Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) following corruption allegations by Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote. The resignation was confirmed on Wednesday by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who also announced that Gbenga Komolafe has stepped down as CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of their replacements to the Senate for confirmation, requesting expedited approval for Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as NUPRC chief and Saidu Mohammed as NMDPRA head. “The two nominees are seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry,” the statement said.
Hours before stepping down, Ahmed visited the State House in Abuja for a brief meeting with the president. He declined to comment to journalists, citing the late hour.
Dangote Allegations and ICPC Petition
Ahmed’s resignation follows a high-profile dispute with Dangote, who filed a petition with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging corruption and financial impropriety. Through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, Dangote requested the anti-graft agency to investigate and prosecute Ahmed for living beyond his means, including claims that Ahmed spent $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland and an additional $2 million on tertiary education, including $210,000 for a 2025 Harvard MBA programme.
The ICPC confirmed receipt of the petition and pledged a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has summoned both parties and urged them to refrain from public comments on the matter.
Dangote also accused Ahmed of undermining Nigeria’s local refining capacity, claiming that NMDPRA’s continued issuance of import licences favored foreign traders and disadvantaged domestic operators. At a press briefing at Dangote Refinery in Lagos, he described the regulator’s actions as “economic sabotage” and alleged collusion with international oil importers.
Ahmed responded to the allegations in a statement, calling them “wild and spurious” but refraining from public confrontation. He welcomed the ICPC investigation, saying it would provide an opportunity to clear his name.
The feud between Dangote and Ahmed dates back to 2024, when NMDPRA accused local refiners, including Dangote Refinery, of producing lower-quality products than imports and operating without an official license. Dangote denied the claims, and the House of Representatives subsequently called for a probe into Ahmed’s conduct and possible suspension.
