NMDPRA Chief Farouk Ahmed Denies Viral Response to Dangote's Corruption Allegations

NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed denies fake statement responding to Dangote's $5M education funding allegations. Welcomes ICPC probe for clarity in petroleum sector feud. 

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, has firmly rejected claims of issuing a statement addressing recent corruption allegations leveled against him by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group.

Background of the Dispute

During a press briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos on Sunday, Dangote demanded a thorough probe into Ahmed's funding sources, specifically highlighting the $5 million cost for four years of secondary education for the regulator's children across six years. He further petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate Ahmed's finances, accusing him of economic sabotage through fuel import licenses that allegedly erode public trust and investor confidence in Nigeria's petroleum sector.

A statement circulating widely on social media Tuesday, purportedly from Ahmed, fueled further debate. However, NMDPRA sources confirmed its falsity to reporters.

Ahmed's Official Position

In an authentic statement released Wednesday, Ahmed clarified that the viral response did not originate from him or his office. He acknowledged awareness of the "wild and spurious" claims targeting him and his family but chose restraint as a regulator in a critical industry.

"Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution like the ICPC," Ahmed noted. "This presents a neutral platform to separate facts from fiction and fully vindicate my name through due process."

Broader Implications for Nigeria's Energy Sector

This public clash underscores escalating tensions between private refinery giants like Dangote and government regulators amid Nigeria's push for fuel self-sufficiency. Ahmed's decision to channel the matter through ICPC reflects a preference for institutional accountability over media exchanges, potentially setting a precedent for handling high-stakes disputes in the midstream and downstream petroleum value chain. As investigations unfold, stakeholders watch closely for impacts on import policies, refinery operations, and national energy security.