By Ayomide Otitoju
Ahmed Farouk, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has dismissed corruption claims made against him by Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote as “wild and spurious.” In a statement issued personally, Ahmed said he would await formal investigation rather than engage in public disputes with the industrialist.
“My attention has been drawn to a purported response I was said to have made on the recent allegations against my person. I hereby state categorically that the so-called statement did not emanate from me. While I am aware of the wild and spurious allegations made against me and my family, as a regulator of a sensitive industry, I have opted not to engage in public brickbat. Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution, which I believe will allow the issues to be dispassionately examined and my name cleared,” Ahmed said.
The allegations stem from a long-standing dispute between Dangote and Ahmed, dating back to July 2024, when Ahmed claimed local refineries, including Dangote’s, produced inferior products compared to imports. Dangote denied the claims and, over a year later, petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that Ahmed had been living beyond his means.
Dangote claimed Ahmed spent over $7 million on the overseas education of his four children, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and integrity in regulating the downstream petroleum sector. He called for the ICPC to arrest, investigate, and prosecute Ahmed for alleged abuse of office, embezzlement, and corrupt enrichment.
“The ICPC is strategically positioned to investigate financial crimes and corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders. We call on the Commission to investigate the complaint against Engr. Farouk Ahmed and prosecute him if found culpable,” Dangote said.
The House of Representatives has intervened, summoning both Dangote and Ahmed and asking them to refrain from public comments. The joint committees on downstream and midstream petroleum aim to de-escalate tensions and identify the critical issues fueling the dispute. Committee leader Ikenga Ugochinyere said, “We can only find sustainable solutions when we identify the critical issues leading to this tension. That is why the committee resolved to write to Dangote and the NMDPRA chief to meet with us and provide insights.”
The ICPC confirmed receipt of Dangote’s petition on December 16, 2025, and stated that it will be “duly investigated,” according to agency spokesman John Odey.
The controversy highlights ongoing scrutiny of regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, with both sides emphasizing the need for formal investigation to resolve the allegations.
