Dangote calls for probe of NMDPRA boss over alleged corruption, economic sabotage

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has called for a full investigation into the conduct of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, alleging economic sabotage and questionable financial dealings.

Speaking on Sunday at a press briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, Dangote accused Ahmed of spending about $5 million on the secondary school education of his four children abroad, a sum he said is inconsistent with the earnings of a public official and raises serious questions about accountability.

He urged relevant authorities, including the Code of Conduct Tribunal, to investigate the matter and provide a public explanation.

Dangote described the alleged expenditure as difficult to reconcile with Ahmed’s official income and suggested that it would normally attract scrutiny from tax and anti-corruption agencies.

He contrasted the claimed spending with the hardship faced by many Nigerians who struggle to afford basic education.

While insisting he is not seeking Ahmed’s removal, Dangote stressed the need for transparency and for Ahmed to account for his actions, warning that unresolved allegations could undermine public trust and investor confidence in the downstream petroleum sector.

Dangote also accused the NMDPRA of regulatory failures and alleged that entrenched interests in the sector were prioritising fuel imports over local refining, undermining efforts to boost domestic capacity — a situation he said harms Nigeria’s industrialisation and energy security.

The NMDPRA has previously rejected similar allegations as false and part of a smear campaign, but Dangote maintained that an official probe would help clarify the issues and restore confidence.