The head of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum regulator has denied issuing any public response to explosive allegations levelled against him by Aliko Dangote, dismissing a statement circulating on social media as false and unauthorised.
Farouk Ahmed, chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), said on Wednesday that he did not author or approve the viral statement purportedly replying to claims made by the president of the Dangote Group. The clarification follows days of mounting tension after Dangote accused the regulator of financial impropriety and called for a formal investigation.
At a press briefing on Sunday at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, Dangote urged authorities to probe the source of funds used by Ahmed and challenged him to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal to provide a public explanation. Citing what he described as extraordinary education expenses, Dangote questioned how a public official could afford to spend millions of dollars on schooling abroad.
“I’ve actually had people making complaints about a regulator who has actually put his children in secondary school,” Dangote said. “And that secondary school education, which is six years, four of them cost Nigeria $5m. I mean, you cannot imagine somebody paying $5m for educating four children.”
Dangote has also petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that Ahmed’s conduct amounts to economic sabotage capable of eroding public trust and investor confidence, particularly in light of the regulator’s decision to grant licences for fuel importation.
On Tuesday, a statement said to be signed by Ahmed circulated widely online, prompting confusion and speculation. But officials at the NMDPRA told journalists that the document was not authentic. Ahmed later confirmed that position, saying the statement did not originate from him.
“My attention has been drawn to a purported response I was said to have made on the recent allegations against my person,” he said. “I hereby state categorically that the so-called statement did not emanate from me.”
Acknowledging the controversy surrounding the claims against him and his family, Ahmed said he had deliberately refrained from engaging in public exchanges. “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 brickbats,” he added.
The regulator said he welcomed Dangote’s decision to take the matter to the ICPC, arguing that a formal investigation would provide a forum to examine the claims calmly and fairly. “Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution,” Ahmed said. “I believe that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distil the issues and to clear my name.”
