The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, has distanced himself from a statement circulating on social media in response to allegations made by the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Ahmed, in a short clarification sent to our correspondent on Wednesday, said he never authorised the statement and described it as fake. He stressed that he had deliberately refrained from publicly debating the issues despite being aware of the accusations levelled against him and his family.
The controversy began on Sunday when Dangote, during a press briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, called for a full investigation into the source of funds allegedly used by Ahmed. Dangote alleged that the regulator should appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal to explain how four of his children reportedly attended a secondary school whose six-year fee cost Nigeria $5 million.
Dangote also petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing Ahmed of financial misconduct and economic sabotage, particularly regarding the approval of fuel importation licences.
On Tuesday, a statement purportedly signed by Ahmed went viral. However, NMDPRA officials confirmed to our correspondent that the document was fabricated.
Reacting, 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.”
He added that although the allegations had generated public “frenzy,” he would not engage in “public brickbats” given the sensitivity of the petroleum regulatory space.
Ahmed expressed confidence in the formal process now underway, noting that Dangote’s petition to the ICPC would allow the issues to be objectively investigated.
“Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution. I believe that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distil the issues and clear my name,” he said.
The NMDPRA boss maintained that he remains focused on his regulatory duties and will cooperate fully with investigators as the matter progresses.
