By Ayo Kehinde
Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, has denied making statements referencing allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and financial impropriety, levelled against him by Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote.
In a statement he personally signed, Ahmed said: “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 and the frenzy it has generated, 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.
“I believe that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distill the issues and to clear my name.”
Dangote, had on Tuesday petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, over allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and financial impropriety.
Dated December 16, 2025, and submitted through Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN & Associates on Dangote’s instructions, the petition was formally received by the Office of the ICPC Chairman in Abuja on Tuesday.
Titled “Petition Against Engr. Farouk Ahmed for Gross Abuse of Office, Violation of Code of Conduct for Public Officers, Corruption and Financial Impropriety,” the document urged the anti-graft agency to investigate claims that the NMDPRA chief allegedly misused his office for personal gain, in violation of applicable laws and ethical standards governing public officers.
According to the petition, Engr. Ahmed, appointed head of the petroleum regulator in September 2021, is accused of actions inconsistent with the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and provisions of the ICPC Act.
The allegations include unlawful spending of public funds and corrupt enrichment while in office.
Dangote called on the ICPC to examine the source of funds allegedly used for high-value personal expenditures, arguing that such spending could not be reasonably reconciled with earnings from a lifetime career in public service.
Citing relevant sections of the ICPC Act, the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and judicial authorities, Dangote emphasized that the allegations, if proven, constitute serious offences warranting investigation and prosecution.
He also informed the Commission of his readiness to present documentary and other evidence to substantiate the claims, urging swift action in the interest of transparency, accountability, and public confidence in government institutions.
Earlier, Dangote had alleged that Engr. Ahmed spent $5 million on the secondary education of four of his children over a six-year period at Swiss schools.
