Breaking: Dangote Accuses NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed of Corruption; ICPC Opens Investigation
Lagos, Nigeria – December 17, 2025 – Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has formally accused the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, of corruption and economic sabotage, prompting an official probe by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a petition submitted through his lawyer on December 16, Dangote alleged that Ahmed diverted over $7 million in public funds to pay for the overseas education of his four children in Switzerland. He claimed that Ahmed’s actions, including undermining domestic refining through regulatory decisions, represent abuse of office and corrupt enrichment.
Dangote also criticized the NMDPRA for issuing import licenses that, he says, frustrate local refining efforts. “Nigerians deserve to know the source of these sums paid by a public officer while many parents cannot afford basic school fees,” Dangote said.
In response, Ahmed described the allegations as “wild and spurious” and said he would wait to defend himself before a formal investigative body rather than engage in public disputes. “The so-called statement circulating in my name did not emanate from me,” he said.
The House of Representatives has stepped into the crisis, summoning both Dangote and Ahmed and asking them to halt public commentary. Lawmakers emphasized the need to resolve tensions threatening Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
The ICPC confirmed receipt of Dangote’s petition and said the allegations will be fully investigated.
